Verstappen Remains a Threat for Championship Leader Norris
Johnny Herbert suggests the 2025 F1 championship is Lando Norris's to lose, with the McLaren driver showing significant growth. However, Herbert emphasizes that Max Verstappen remains a persistent threat, capable of turning races around instantly despite a current 49-point deficit. Norris, who leads the standings, must avoid any slip-ups to secure his first title against the reigning champion.
Johnny Herbert believes the 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship is Lando Norris's to lose, but warns that Max Verstappen remains the biggest threat to the McLaren driver's title ambitions. Norris currently enjoys a 24-point lead over Oscar Piastri and a 49-point advantage over Verstappen heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, having secured two consecutive Grand Prix victories.
Why it matters:
After years of development, Lando Norris has emerged as a championship contender, leading the charge against the dominant Max Verstappen. Herbert's assessment highlights the critical juncture in Norris's career and the fierce competition at the top, emphasizing that even with a significant points lead, Verstappen's unpredictable prowess means the title race is far from over.
The Details:
- Norris's Evolution: Former F1 driver and steward Johnny Herbert identifies Norris as the clear favorite for the 2025 title, praising his development into a 'complete driver.'
- Herbert notes Norris has overcome previous weaknesses in race starts and race craft.
- He believes Norris is now equipped to handle direct championship battles with Max Verstappen.
- Verstappen's Consistent Threat: Despite a large points gap, Herbert stresses that Verstappen is "always a threat" due to his ability to "turn it around in an instant."
- Verstappen's capacity to collaborate effectively with his team, even during challenging weekends, allows him to extract maximum performance and quickly adapt.
- Recent Performance: Norris secured top spot in FP2 in Las Vegas, while Verstappen was ninth, half a second behind.
What's next:
Norris cannot afford to be complacent, as any misstep could provide a significant boost to Verstappen's title challenge. The championship battle is expected to intensify, with every race becoming crucial in determining whether Norris can maintain his lead or if Verstappen can mount another formidable comeback.
- The upcoming races will test Norris's consistency and mental fortitude against the reigning champion's relentless pursuit.
- The dynamic between McLaren's improved performance and Red Bull's established dominance will be a key storyline for the remainder of the season.