2024 F1 Season Review - Lando Norris

Lando Norris’s 2024 season showcased exceptional growth, securing four wins, eight poles, and solidifying his place as a top contender.

The 2024 season marked a breakthrough for Lando Norris. The McLaren F1 driver secured his first-ever Formula 1 victory, claimed half of his career podiums and fastest laps, and achieved eight pole positions, earning him the honorary title of World Championship runner-up.

An impressive record that shouldn’t overshadow some early-season mistakes and challenges against Max Verstappen, but it highlights the British driver’s consistent growth throughout the season.

However, the year was not without its challenges. Norris fell significantly behind Verstappen during the opening races, as McLaren’s performance occasionally failed to meet expectations.

Later in the season, Norris engaged in fierce battles with Verstappen. Notably, the Dutch driver caused Norris’s sole retirement in Austria with a desperate maneuver.

The two clashed again in the United States, where Norris received an unjust penalty, and in Mexico, where the FIA harshly sanctioned Verstappen after two dangerous moves against the Briton.

Despite the on-track tensions, there was never any real suspense in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship. Norris had lost crucial points early in the season, made some errors—particularly in race starts—and faced a few strategic or political missteps from McLaren.

Norris consistently downplayed his chances of a world title while striving for the best possible results. This approach earned him four victories this year, including dominant displays at Zandvoort and Abu Dhabi.

To be a genuine world title contender, Norris must now maintain greater consistency and strength—qualities he began to demonstrate at the end of the season. His on-track battles with Max Verstappen, previously tilted in the Dutchman’s favor, could become more balanced following the penalties imposed on Verstappen.

The Briton’s progress was also evident in his duel with teammate Oscar Piastri. While Piastri posed a serious challenge last year, he struggled to match Norris in 2024, aside from occasional standout performances.

Norris must begin the 2025 season as he ended 2024: as McLaren’s internal leader. By doing so, he can ensure early team support for a title campaign and avoid internal rivalries that might cost the Woking outfit crucial points.

With McLaren securing the Constructors’ Championship thanks to Norris and Piastri, the team and its British driver will undoubtedly set their sights on capturing both world titles in 2025.

Lando Norris: 2024 Season Statistics

Category	Statistic
Championship Position	2nd with 374 points
Wins	4
Pole Positions	8
Podiums	13
Fastest Laps	6
Hat Tricks	1
Grand Slams	0
Laps Led	271
Total Laps Completed	1,437 (99.52%)
Average Qualifying Position	3.58
Average Race Position	4.29