With the F1 2024 season nearing its end, Max Verstappen’s commanding win in Brazil has brought him to the brink of his fourth consecutive championship title. Starting from 17th on the grid, Verstappen demonstrated resilience and strategic precision, moving well ahead of Lando Norris and making a comeback by Norris all but impossible. The Brazilian Grand Prix highlighted Verstappen’s experience and consistency, leaving Norris with limited options as the season’s final races approach.
Red Bull’s performance decline earlier in the season had allowed Norris to close the points gap, but recent adjustments have helped Verstappen reclaim his edge. Singapore marked the start of Red Bull’s recovery, but the real test of their efforts came with the Americas triple-header. Despite favorable conditions for McLaren, Verstappen’s focused approach kept Norris at bay, underscoring his determination and tactical edge when it mattered most.
Verstappen’s aggressive driving style has drawn comparisons to legendary F1 figures like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. Known for pushing limits, Verstappen’s defensive tactics in Mexico stirred debate, with critics questioning his fairness. Yet, as a seasoned competitor, Verstappen has learned to manage criticism, while Norris, still newer to championship pressures, has sometimes struggled under the spotlight, particularly against such a determined opponent.
Interlagos underscored the contrast between the two drivers. While Verstappen faced a challenging qualifying session and a grid penalty, he advanced rapidly through the field, capitalizing on weather and race strategies. Norris, starting from pole, faced setbacks that prevented him from maximizing his lead, ultimately dropping positions after a costly off-track incident. The race exposed gaps in Norris’s ability to fully leverage McLaren’s capabilities on critical days.
Norris’s handling of pressure at Interlagos also raised questions. He has shown remarkable speed this season, yet his mistakes in decisive moments, such as those at COTA and Interlagos, have impacted his overall performance. His post-race comments about Verstappen’s “luck” in Brazil revealed frustration and a struggle to accept the loss, a mentality that could hinder his development in high-stakes scenarios.
Verstappen’s mindset in the face of pressure stands in sharp contrast. His ability to stay composed and make strategic choices even amid intense scrutiny has been the foundation of his success. Meanwhile, Norris’s engagement with social media after setbacks reflects a vulnerability to external pressures. While Verstappen seems to harness criticism constructively, Norris might need to reconsider his approach to handling adversity if he hopes to match Verstappen’s psychological resilience.
As the season closes, Norris faces the challenge of a constructive offseason. His unexpected position as a title contender this year brought on intense pressure, which was amplified by the complexity of competing against a close friend in Verstappen. Verstappen’s years at the top since 2016, combined with his strong sense of self-assurance, have allowed him to thrive, leaving Norris with work to do to develop a similar level of mental preparedness.
Norris could find inspiration in the path of Nico Rosberg, who, after back-to-back losses to Lewis Hamilton, redefined his approach and focused intensely on his own shortcomings. Rosberg’s dedication led him to defeat Hamilton in 2016, despite the physical and mental toll it took. Norris may need to adopt a similar strategy, examining his weaknesses and building on his strengths, if he hopes to contend seriously with Verstappen.
Looking forward, it’s essential for Norris and McLaren to evaluate what held them back this season. Norris must embrace his mistakes as learning opportunities rather than attributing them to luck if he wants to strengthen his performance. An honest analysis of his racing and mental approach will be crucial if he wants to contend at Verstappen’s level.
Assuming Verstappen secures the 2024 title, Norris has the tools to mount a serious challenge in 2025. But he will need to combine his driving skills with the mental strength that has propelled Verstappen to the top. With the right focus, Norris can enter the new season prepared to meet the challenges ahead and push himself to perform at his best.