Verstappen on Norris: "Nothing I Lied About" Regarding Championship Potential

Max Verstappen has reaffirmed his previous comments about Lando Norris's championship capabilities, stating there was "nothing he lied about" as Norris now leads the World Championship by 24 points with two races remaining. This shift comes a year after Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive title, beating Norris, who faded from contention in the prior season.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's assessment of Lando Norris's growth highlights the dramatic shift in the 2025 F1 season. Norris's improved performance, especially in crucial moments, indicates a significant maturation that has transformed him from a promising talent to a genuine title contender. This evolving rivalry not only adds considerable excitement to the championship battle but also reflects the dynamic nature of Formula 1, where drivers constantly adapt and improve.

The details:

• Championship Standings: Lando Norris currently leads the World Championship by 24 points over Max Verstappen, a stark contrast to last season when Verstappen clinched the title with two races to spare.
• Las Vegas Grand Prix Impact: Verstappen's victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, coupled with Norris's DNF due to plank wear, significantly narrowed the points gap from 104 points to the current 24.
• Verstappen's Observations: During a recent press conference, Verstappen noted that Norris's "weekends seem to be really coming together very nicely" this season, acknowledging a different side to the Brit compared to the previous year.
• Driver Growth: Verstappen emphasized that "every year, you also grow and learn from past mistakes or weekends where you think you could have done a better job," attributing Norris's improvement to this natural progression.
• Crucial Races Ahead: With only the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remaining, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by more than two points at the Qatar Grand Prix to secure his maiden World Championship.

The big picture:

Lando Norris's journey from a talented, but occasionally faltering, driver in 2024 to a consistent championship leader in 2025 underscores a significant personal and professional evolution. His ability to bounce back from last season's defeat and demonstrate enhanced poise in high-pressure situations, particularly in Mexico City and Sao Paulo, showcases the kind of mental fortitude required for a title challenge. Verstappen's initial comments, which might have seemed critical, now appear to be an accurate long-term assessment of Norris's potential, simply awaiting the right moment to materialize.

What's next:

The 2025 F1 season is heading for a thrilling conclusion, with the Qatar Grand Prix being a potential championship decider. Should Norris maintain his lead and secure the title, it would mark a significant milestone in his career and for McLaren. Regardless of the outcome, this intense championship battle between two of F1's most talented drivers is setting the stage for an exciting future in the sport, with both drivers likely to be at the forefront for years to come. Verstappen's candid assessment, now proven accurate, adds another layer to their burgeoning rivalry.