Norris Eyes F1 Glory After Breakthrough Season

After proving himself in 2024, Lando Norris is now fully focused on securing his first Formula 1 title, feeling ready for the challenge.

As the McLaren MCL39 was unexpectedly unveiled during a shakedown at Silverstone, Lando Norris asserts that he feels well-equipped to win this year’s F1 World Championship, declaring himself in peak form.

2024 was a landmark year for Norris, who finally became a Formula 1 Grand Prix winner in Miami.

Norris led McLaren F1 to its first Constructors’ title in 26 years, beating Ferrari by 14 points.

Despite reaching various milestones, Norris and McLaren were still somewhat disappointed not to have pushed Max Verstappen further for the Drivers’ title.

“This is everything for me, it’s what I live for, it’s what I’ve done my whole life. Without a doubt, one of my dreams came true by helping to win a title. But I have another dream, of course. The next dream to fulfill is obviously to try to do it for myself and win the Drivers’ Championship.”

“I had my chance. I didn’t make it and didn’t do a good enough job. That’s just the honest answer. We’ll try to make amends this year and step up to the next level.”

Verstappen won 7 of the first 10 races – but McLaren lamented several missed opportunities, including poor strategy choices and driver errors.

With F1’s technical regulations remaining stable over the winter, many expect McLaren to fight for both titles from the opening race in Australia. And Norris is determined to establish himself as the driver to back against his teammate, Oscar Piastri.

“I think I proved myself last year. I’ve always been the kind of guy who… I never want to believe in things until they actually happen. I’ve always been someone who needs to see it to believe it, especially when it comes to what I do personally.”

“I proved to myself last year that I can win races, that I can dominate a weekend, and that I can fight against the best in the world. I needed to prove to myself that I was capable of doing that, and I did last year. I’m certainly not saying I did it perfectly. I definitely made mistakes.”

“I made my share of errors and misjudgments, but I’m happy with last year, and I can approach this season with confidence. I’d say I’m confident, which is rare for me.”

“I’m certainly not overconfident. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, both physically and mentally. I think we’re still as strong as ever as a team. We need to be. The expectations are there, but so is the determination. I’m relaxed. I’m excited. Quietly confident as well.”