McLaren's Swift Rise: Norris Reflects on 2024 Challenges

McLaren F1’s rapid progress in 2024 sees Norris reflecting on missed opportunities and the challenges of chasing the elusive drivers’ title.

Lando Norris enjoyed attending the FIA gala this Friday for the end-of-year awards ceremony. The McLaren F1 driver was thrilled to visit Rwanda for the first time, where the celebration took place.

“It’s great, I love coming to new places. I’m happy to be here, we’re going to celebrate, especially with the team. I’ve never attended an FIA end-of-year ceremony, and we’re celebrating something special,” said Norris, who also reflected on missing out on the world title. “I was never close enough to Max. It always seemed far out of reach, but I tried.”

Oscar Piastri admitted he hadn’t expected such a strong 2024 season: “I hoped for success, but maybe just an unexpected podium here or there. It’s a faster trajectory than anyone would have imagined… well, maybe not Zak or Andrea, but for me.”

“It’s definitely been quicker than I thought. But it’s been fun; it’s more enjoyable when you’re at the front and fighting for wins. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined this.”

Zak Brown, McLaren F1’s CEO, celebrated the team’s constructors’ championship win: “I received a nice message from Damon Hill on Sunday night. He said, ‘I’ve never really been interested in the constructors’ championship until seeing McLaren versus Ferrari.’ And he mentioned he had a tear in his eye, which was very, very touching.”

“I think it was epic. The atmosphere in the garage was incredible. Andrea has done an amazing job leading this race team. We have two fantastic drivers, as we highlighted at the start of the season, and everyone at McLaren has done a tremendous job.”

“And I think to go all the way against Ferrari, if you had to choose a team to fight down to the final lap, it would be Ferrari. They did an incredible job and kept us on our toes the entire time.”

The American revealed he gave a thank-you speech at Woking to commend the resilience of all McLaren employees: “I simply said a big thank you. The efforts made by everyone at McLaren have been immense. It hasn’t been easy. I think the team demonstrated great resilience, especially with the start of 2023.”

“It’s incredible how quickly Andrea turned the team around. Since Austria last year, the development has been rapid. Everyone has done a tremendous job, and the team atmosphere is fantastic. Our shareholders have supported us greatly, and it’s wonderful to deliver this championship for the Crown Prince of Bahrain.”

Brown also had a word for Max Verstappen, the 2024 world champion: “He’s a four-time world champion with a fantastic car. He had a teammate who wasn’t really on pace.”

“If he had a teammate at his level, Red Bull would have been in the fight until the final race of the year. Max did an incredible job. Full credit to a four-time world champion. They’re an incredible team.”

He also confirmed rumors of Sergio Pérez’s imminent departure: “It seems Max might have a new teammate next year. Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. There’s a lot of talk about it here.”

Andrea Stella, the team principal, shared how the team celebrated their first constructors’ title in 26 years after the final race of the season.

“The best celebration was in the garage. The atmosphere after the victory was amazing—so energetic, everyone happy and singing. And alongside ‘We Are The Champions,’ this year we also sang ‘Wild Boys’ by Duran Duran!” said the Italian.

Already a champion with Ferrari, Stella explained how the experience differs at McLaren: “It’s different in many ways. It’s different because this championship means bringing McLaren to success after 26 years—a long period without celebration makes it unique. For me personally, it’s a completely different role.”

“And it’s different because the speed at which we evolved since being at the back in 2023 is unprecedented. Many aspects are unique, but for me personally, contributing to McLaren’s legacy with a world championship is something I’m still coming to terms with.”