Lando Norris says championship win proved his own doubts wrong

Lando Norris has revealed that winning his first Formula 1 Drivers' Championship allowed him to "prove myself wrong," admitting he harbored personal doubts about his title credentials earlier in the season. The McLaren driver clinched the crown by a mere two points over Max Verstappen, securing the necessary third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a dramatic season finale.

Why it matters:

Norris's admission highlights the intense mental battle even top drivers face in a championship fight. Overcoming internal skepticism and mid-season struggles to ultimately secure the title underscores the psychological resilience required at the sport's highest level, transforming a narrative of early-season uncertainty into one of triumphant personal vindication.

The details:

• The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for Norris, who often played second fiddle to teammate Oscar Piastri for much of the first half. After the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri led Norris by 34 points in the standings.
• Norris acknowledged a "not the most impressive" first half, citing mistakes and periods where Piastri was "consistently ahead."
• A critical turnaround began after Piastri's form dipped, with Norris reclaiming control of the title fight after the Mexico City Grand Prix and maintaining that advantage through the final four races.
• Norris credited a significant expansion of his off-track support network—including coaches, family, and friends—for helping him perform under pressure and achieve a strong second half of the season.

Between the lines:

The championship was decided not by sheer dominance but by Norris's ability to capitalize when his closest rival faltered. While Verstappen emerged as the primary threat late in the season, Norris's path was cleared by Piastri's mid-season drop in performance. His victory is as much a story of consistency and seizing opportunity as it is of peak performance, highlighting how title campaigns can pivot on the fortunes of a teammate.

What's next:

With the doubt of ever winning a first title now erased, Norris enters the off-season as a confirmed champion. The focus for McLaren and Norris will shift to defending the crown in 2025, a challenge that will test whether this hard-fought victory marks the beginning of a sustained period of success or a singular, career-defining achievement.