After a fierce season finale, Nico Rosberg claims that Max Verstappen felt threatened by Lando Norris, backing him as next year’s favorite.
“A thrilling season!” That’s how Nico Rosberg described this 2024 F1 year.
The former Mercedes champion was blown away by the unpredictable nature of the second half of the season, he explained.
“We had seven multiple winners, if I’m not mistaken.”
“We arrived at each race not knowing who would win. Sometimes it was Mercedes, another time Ferrari, then McLaren, and then Red Bull again.”
According to Nico Rosberg, the championship—around Monza in particular—was so tight that Max Verstappen might even have been scared of Lando Norris’s McLaren F1.
“Even the world championship was really open at one point. Verstappen was genuinely afraid of losing it,” he said.
“Since Imola, he no longer had the fastest car, and Lando was flying on track.”
“So it’s pretty miraculous and truly a testament to Verstappen’s brilliant talent that he managed to win this championship and wrap it up so early.”
“McLaren and Lando were simply faster and stronger. It was really phenomenal and exciting. We really thought it would go right to the end. Everything was thrilling.”
Nico Rosberg puts his money on Lando Norris
Next year, will Lando Norris confirm he’s a potential world champion? If he faces Max Verstappen again, would he emerge victorious?
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 champion, would indeed bet on the Briton next year!
“He has shown raw speed that I would say is on the level of the very best, even Max Verstappen,” said Rosberg. “So the raw speed is there. It’s truly phenomenal and worthy of a world champion.”
“Where we still saw a few issues is that he has certain inner demons that show up through one or two mistakes.”
“The most notable was in Singapore, where he led by 20 seconds and nearly went off track twice. It was almost strange. He still needs to work on that to reduce these errors, and that’s where Piastri is stronger.”
“In summary, Lando has a bit more pure speed. We saw it again this weekend in qualifying. Piastri isn’t as quick in his peak performances, but he’s always consistent, always there, without mistakes. Lando is the favorite to win the championship next year. But clearly, Oscar also has a chance to secure the drivers’ title.”
Nico Rosberg even makes Lando Norris his favorite for the 2025 title… According to him, it’s more the Red Bull than Max Verstappen that will reduce the Dutchman’s chances next year.
“Yes. I mean, he is the favorite to win the championship next year. There is no reason he wouldn’t be, right? Because at the end of this year, McLaren had the most competitive car. He was slightly stronger than Piastri within the team. So, he should be the favorite.”
“Verstappen does not have the fastest car. He doesn’t. I mean, he has won two races since May, it’s crazy! He has won two races since May, one thanks to Verstappen’s magic in the rain. So, in reality, he has only won one dry race since May. You can’t win the world championship in that form next year against Lando Norris. So I would say Lando is the favorite.”
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Norris emerges as Rosberg’s pick for 2025 crown Norris emerges as Rosberg’s pick for 2025 crown
