Lando Norris, McLaren’s rising star, has issued a stern warning to his team: there is no time for complacency.
As Max Verstappen’s dominance in the 2024 Formula 1 season grows stronger, Norris believes that McLaren must stay focused and keep pushing to improve their car, lest they fall behind in the increasingly competitive field.
Norris, who has been with McLaren since 2019, has seen the team make steady progress over the years. From midfield struggles to podium finishes, the British driver knows the value of hard work and perseverance. However, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s incredible performance levels this season, Norris feels the pressure is higher than ever. He emphasized that McLaren must continue to innovate if they wish to remain competitive.
“Max is driving on another level right now,” Norris acknowledged during a recent interview. “It’s impressive what he’s achieving, and we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas. We’re making great strides, but Formula 1 is a fast-paced sport, and if you relax, even for a moment, you’ll be left behind.”
Max Verstappen has been a relentless force in Formula 1, continuing his dominance from previous seasons. The Dutch driver is now closing in on yet another title, showcasing consistency and near-flawless driving. With Red Bull’s RB20 continuing to outpace the competition, many have predicted Verstappen’s reign will continue for the foreseeable future.
For McLaren, this is a critical juncture. While the team has made significant improvements, they are still chasing the front-runners, particularly Red Bull. Norris knows that staying close to the top is no easy task, especially when Verstappen seems almost unbeatable. The McLaren driver’s message to his team was clear: even with podiums and positive results, there is no room for easing up.
McLaren’s resurgence in 2024 has been one of the talking points of the season, with Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri delivering some strong performances. However, Norris understands that consistency is key. While McLaren has the potential to fight for podiums, they need to ensure they can do it regularly if they want to challenge for titles in the future.
“We’ve had some great results,” Norris said. “But we need to make sure that we can replicate them week in and week out. Max and Red Bull are doing that, and that’s what we need to aim for. We can’t just be happy with a couple of podiums; we need to keep striving for more.”
As the 2024 season winds down and Verstappen inches closer to his next title, McLaren is already looking ahead. The team is working on upgrades for the remainder of the season but also has its sights set on 2025, where they hope to close the gap even further. Norris is optimistic about McLaren’s future but maintains that their approach must remain aggressive if they are to contend for championships.
“We have the people, we have the resources, and we’re heading in the right direction,” Norris explained. “But we can’t rest on our laurels. We need to stay hungry and keep pushing because the competition is only going to get tougher.”
Lando Norris’ call to action highlights the intense level of competition at the top of Formula 1. With Max Verstappen’s dominance, McLaren faces a crucial period in its development. Norris’ message is simple: no team can afford to relax, and McLaren must continue to push the boundaries if they are to challenge Red Bull and others for future titles. The 2024 season may be slipping away, but the battle for the future is far from over.