Norris told to bring ‘A game’ next year as F1 improvements needed

Martin Brundle has detailed what Lando Norris will “need” to deliver next season if he is to fight for the F1 drivers’ championship.

The 65-year-old feels that his compatriot must “find a better way to manage” the enormity of going toe-to-toe with Max Verstappen, outlining the four-time champion’s approach to wheel-to-wheel racing and his undeniable pace as two main points of friction.

The McLaren driver took a considerable step forward in 2024, winning his first grand prix and putting himself in the position to fight Verstappen for the title.

However, he was not able to match his rival in a number of areas, something that was evident as he failed to close to within striking distance of the 27-year-old, despite enjoying a stronger package for much of the campaign.

Despite ultimately being left wanting, Norris racked up four grand prix victories and eight pole positions, underlining his growth throughout the year.

He signed off his season by leading McLaren to a first constructors’ championship since 1998 and his most complete and assured weekend of the season.

It is something Brundle claims he will be required to replicate each round next term to better thrust himself into title-winning contention.

“It was the kind of performance from Norris that can win him a world championship, totally calm and reassured, he is now extremely comfortable out front of a grand prix as well as gunning for pole position,” the ex-F1 driver wrote of the 25-year-old’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory for Sky Sports F1.

“He’ll need to find a better way to manage Verstappen’s aggressive driving and relentless speed and talent, but Lando must start as one of the favourites for the 2025 title,” he added, addressing the year to come.

“But driver and team rivals will not stand still, including his team-mate Piastri, and so he’ll need to bring this kind of completeness and ‘A game’ to every one of the 24 races. The team seem very capable of giving him a fast, predictable, and reliable car too.”

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