With only a few races left in the 2024 Formula 1 season, the race for the drivers’ championship has narrowed, placing Lando Norris in close pursuit of Max Verstappen. While Verstappen continues to lead, former F1 driver Mark Blundell foresees a major shift in 2025, where he believes the balance could tip in Norris’s favor, potentially dethroning the Red Bull star.
Currently, Norris trails Verstappen by 47 points but has shown strong performance lately, raising hopes of an even tighter competition next year. However, Blundell cautions that Norris will need near-flawless execution to secure his maiden title. With McLaren showing promise, he believes that by 2025, the British team could emerge as the one to beat, if they can build on this year’s progress.
Blundell expressed optimism that McLaren’s growth could propel them to a top contender position by next season. He boldly speculated that Verstappen and Red Bull may struggle to maintain their dominance, particularly as rival teams continue to close the performance gap. “Red Bull has shown vulnerabilities, and if McLaren learns from this season, Norris could be in a position to capitalize,” Blundell remarked.
For Norris, this means intense pressure to perform consistently and lead McLaren in challenging Red Bull’s supremacy. Blundell’s predictions suggest that McLaren’s enhancements and Norris’s growth as a driver could bring a compelling twist to the 2025 season. Success, however, hinges on whether Norris can step up to the role, making next season a pivotal test for the young British driver.