Lando Norris has outlined his belief that McLaren must win both championships in 2025 after their F1 renaissance last season.
Norris won four races in 2024 en route to the runner-up spot in the standings after an unsuccessful title challenge.
McLaren’s resurgence gave the team arguably F1’s fastest car by the end of the season. As a result McLaren enter 2025 as favourites for both championships.
After his first win in Miami, driver error and strategic blunders prevented team and driver from a sustained title bid.
Norris is acutely aware of McLaren’s status going into the new season. He believes the team has run out of excuses not to perform.
As reported by Sky Sports, Norris said he and the team have “no excuses” for their poor performance during a media session at the F1 75 event.
“After last year I think we kind of have no excuses. In the past we’ve had our fair share, but honest and true excuses.
“I think this year we have nothing to hide behind. We proved last year we have everything we need and everything it takes to fight at the top and be the best.
“If we’re not at the beginning of the season then we’re just not good enough and we’ve not done a good enough job, but that’s certainly not how we’re thinking of things, that’s not how our mentality’s been.
“As we’ve ended the season, our next season has already started. For all the guys and girls back in the factory, it’s giving us a car which can compete.
“A lot of what Formula 1 is, is having a car that can compete. I think we both as drivers proved a lot last year in ourselves and in each other of what we’re capable of doing, and when we do have a car that’s capable of fighting for wins and championships, we’re able to maximise it.”
Can Lando Norris and McLaren deliver from the first race?
“I think we’ll probably both say we’re ready and we’re excited for that challenge, but we also have a whole team behind us who are also excited,” he said.
“They know they’re capable of making a quick car so we’re excited for this challenge this season.
“Maybe in the past we’ve got ahead of ourselves at times before pre-season so we’re definitely not doing that, but we’re quietly confident that we can start this season off in the best way and much better than we’ve done over the last six-seven years.”
Feature Image Credit: McLaren Racing Media Centre
