Although Lando Norris is still mathematically in the title fight, Max Verstappen is almost certain to claim a fourth consecutive title this year. Reflecting on his 2024 campaign, Norris admits there is room for improvement.
Norris: I didn’t start the year at the necessary level
Analysts generally agree that McLaren have been the fastest team since the Miami GP – when the first major upgrades to the MCL28 were introduced.
However, in the sixteen races since then, Verstappen has maintained and even extended his advantage over Lando Norris.
Despite taking just one victory since the Spanish GP, the Dutchman’s tremendous consistency has allowed him to keep the championship lead.
Meanwhile, a series of shortcomings at McLaren have been costly. A combination of drive error, incorrect strategy and operational mistakes have all played a role.
McLaren must accept that this year’s drivers title was theirs for the taking – and they let it slip through their fingers.
Norris: I got off to a slow start
Norris believes there is a significant difference between his performances in the first and second half of the season:
“I think it’s the first time in the last six years of Formula 1 when we’ve had a chance to fight at the front. We’ve not been able to do that for the last six years.
“So this is our and my first opportunity to do so, and my first opportunity to see where I stand.
“And I definitely was not at the level I needed to be at the beginning of the year, and even Miami point of the season.
“Since the summer break, I feel like I’ve done a very good job and performed very, very well. By far some of my best performances that I’ve done.
“So I’ve been very happy, actually, with how the last few months have gone, honestly.
“I wouldn’t change many things that have happened. But I still need to make tweaks. I still need to improve on things. That’s clear.
“You know, I’m not completely satisfied with how I’ve done. I definitely know I need to make improvements.”
No reprieve for McLaren
Unfortunately for Andrea Stella’s team, things will only become more difficult moving forward.
Ferrari have rebounded from their mid-season slump and put the SF-24 back into race-winning shape.
Even Red Bull’s stagnant development has been reversed in recent weeks, with a floor update giving Max Verstappen enough to work with to reclaim the initiative in the championship.
Next season could also see Mercedes return to the front – meaning four teams are aiming a title charge in 2025.
Unlike this year, where the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull have experienced major mid-season slumps, next season’s campaign will likely see even more convergence amongst the top teams.
This raises the stakes for Lando Norris and McLaren, who need to up their game if they are to fight for a constructors title.
Then again, before even thinking about 2025, McLaren still face the task of defeating Ferrari in this year’s constructors battle.
