Lando Norris has proven he has the speed and talent to challenge Max Verstappen, and according to FIA steward Johnny Herbert, the McLaren driver will enter the 2025 Formula 1 season knowing he can take down the reigning champion. But to turn that belief into reality, Norris must seize the opportunity to start strong and avoid falling behind early in the season.

A Turning Point in Norris’ F1 Journey

Herbert's comments come after Norris' 2024 title aspirations were dashed at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Starting from P17, Verstappen delivered a masterclass to claim victory, extending his championship lead to an insurmountable 62 points with three races remaining. Despite the setback, Herbert believes Norris' season-long growth sets the stage for a promising 2025.

“Lando has had to play catch-up, which is incredibly difficult,” Herbert shared with Safest Betting Sites. “He’s been chipping away at Max’s lead, but now the title is out of reach unless Max encounters an unprecedented streak of bad luck, which isn’t likely.

“Lando must focus on the positives from this season. He has driven superbly, claimed poles, and made significant strides. If he can capitalize on a strong start next year, as Max did this year, then the championship fight is wide open. We haven’t seen the best of Lando yet—or Max, for that matter.”

Herbert added that McLaren’s growth will be critical: “The team will learn and adopt a stronger mindset for next year. Lando will head into 2025 knowing he can beat Max. Drivers like Oscar Piastri and George Russell are also improving, so it’s shaping up to be an exciting season.”

Norris Has Been ‘Too Nice’

Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan criticized Norris’ approach in 2024, suggesting his “nice guy” persona cost him crucial points when McLaren’s performance gave him an edge over Verstappen.

“Lando comes from a wonderful, caring family, but perhaps he’s too nice,” Jordan said on the Formula For Success podcast. “He should have been out of sight in several races this year when Max’s car wasn’t superior.

“Norris has the speed to be remembered as one of the fastest drivers never to win a championship. To change that narrative, he needs to adopt a more ruthless edge.”

Norris Needs ‘One Final Step’

David Coulthard, Jordan’s podcast co-host and a 13-time Grand Prix winner, acknowledged Norris’ immense talent but believes he’s missing one key ingredient to become a World Champion: aggressive racecraft against his fiercest rivals.

“Lando is still maturing as a grand prix driver,” Coulthard noted. “He’s got the speed, and we love his openness, but there’s still a step he needs to take in how he races competitors like Max.

“At some point, he’s got to say, ‘Max, the door’s closed—if we crash, we crash.’ That’s the kind of racing mentality he needs to develop.”

Will Norris Rise to the Challenge?

With McLaren making strides and Norris poised for growth, the 2025 season could be the year he takes the fight to Verstappen. However, as both Herbert and Coulthard emphasize, the key lies in Norris' mindset and ability to assert himself on the track.

Can Lando Norris shed his “nice guy” image and become the relentless challenger F1 demands? The answer may define not just his career but the shape of the championship battle in 2025.