Lando Norris is set for a challenging season in his pursuit of the Formula 1 championship. He faces formidable opposition from former ally, now contender, Max Verstappen, who is in pursuit of a fifth consecutive title. Verstappen, who mirrors Michael Schumacher’s aggressive racing tactics, is a well-known force. In addition, Norris must keep an eye on Lewis Hamilton, who is eyeing a record-breaking eighth title in his debut season with Ferrari—looking to end a drivers’ championship dry spell that dates back to 2007.
Despite the pressure, Norris is seen as the frontrunner following a strong finish to the 2024 season with McLaren. However, the competition promises to be fierce as the team aims to build on its momentum. Preseason testing indicated McLaren’s competitiveness, but Norris knows he must be wary of not just Verstappen and Hamilton, but also his own teammate, Oscar Piastri, along with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell. The past six races of 2024 were won by five drivers from four teams, indicating a tightly contested field.
“As much as we want to believe we’re the best, I guess we still want to feel like we’re underdogs. We have a lot to fight for,” Norris commented on his mindset entering the new season. After a few missteps from the pole in previous races, he is confident that being the favorite will only enhance his ability to focus and deliver strong performances. “I know, coming into this season that for a lot of people I’m the favorite and as a team we’re the favorites,” Norris said. “I’ve always done much better under pressure. I’m able to think and to focus much more,” he elaborated.
Verstappen, on the other hand, remains unwavering in his quest for glory. Since his contentious 2021 victory over Hamilton, Verstappen has become the man to beat. Although he has ruled out staying in F1 into his later years like Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, his quest for a fifth title is as driven as ever. Last season was a testament to his competitive spirit, as he pushed Norris to the edge and beyond. “My motivation is there because I think already last year it was not straightforward,” Verstappen observed. “We had of course good wins, but just not as many as we would have liked, but we still won the championship.”
Hamilton remains another key figure, aiming to surpass Schumacher’s record number of titles. The Briton expressed excitement at the season’s glamorous kickoff, feeling rejuvenated and motivated to lead Ferrari to glory. As his new team aims to deliver its first driver’s title since 2007, enthusiasm among its devoted “Tifosi” fanbase is palpable. “I know what a winning team looks and feels like,” he stated, referencing Ferrari’s renowned passion: “They’ve got absolutely every ingredient they need to win a world championship. And it’s just about putting all the pieces together.”
Mercedes isn’t to be counted out, having resolved longstanding vehicle issues to triumph in four of the final 14 races in 2024, including Hamilton’s victorious run at the British Grand Prix. Russell, with three wins, partners with rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who benefits from Hamilton’s mentorship. Should early podium finishes prove elusive, some teams like Aston Martin might pivot to 2026 car developments as regulatory changes promise significant shifts.
Off-track dynamics will also influence the season, with tensions simmering between drivers and the FIA. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is spearheading strict rules against drivers’ swearing, introducing hefty fines and potential suspensions for repeat violations. This moves amidst debates over fines’ destinations, senior FIA staff changes, and Ben Sulayem’s communication style adds an intriguing layer of drama to the proceedings.
