Lando Norris anointed 'as one of the favorites for the 2025 title' by F1 veteran after losing to Max Verstappen in 2024

F1 veteran and commentator Martin Brundle has labeled McLaren's Lando Norris as one of the "favorites" to win the 2025 F1 Drivers' World Championship after analyzing his performance in the last season. He was a contender for the title in the later stages, however, Max Verstappen was able to clinch his fourth title after Las Vegas.

Regardless, Brundle feels that the Brit will have to stay clear of Verstappen's "aggressive" driving style. He also said that Norris's driving could win him a World Championship with his "calm" mindset.

"It was the kind of performance from Norris that can win him a world championship, totally calm and reassured, he is now extremely comfortable out front of a Grand Prix as well as gunning for pole position," Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports column.

"He'll need to find a better way to manage Verstappen's aggressive driving and relentless speed and talent, but Lando must start as one of the favourites for the 2025 title."

McLaren's developmental trajectory in the 2024 F1 season was notable as the team progressed from struggling in the midfield just 40 races ago to winning the Constructors' Championship this season.

Red Bull, meanwhile, saw a downfall in their performance. The team remained winless between Round 10 and Round 21. They also dropped to third place in the Constructors' battle despite Verstappen's consistent finishes as his teammate performed subpar, which is also reported to threaten his future with the team.

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Lando Norris reacts to McLaren's first Constructors' championship since 1998

Prior to the 2024 season, McLaren last won a title in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton bringing home his first Drivers' championship. However, it was Ferrari that year that won the Constructors' Championship. The last time McLaren had clinched that title was the 1998 season with Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.

Winning their first Constructors' Championship in 26 years, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri brought back the glory to the team.

"It's been a lovely journey," Lando Norris said. "To end the season like this is perfect. "It feels wrong to say that McLaren have not won a championship in 26 years. Delivering that for the team has put the biggest smile possible on everyone's face. This is the biggest reward you can give back to everyone who designs the car, builds the car, gets the partners."

"Everyone has played such a big part, so just proud. Proud is my biggest thing," he added.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue to race with the team in the 2025 season as well. They are expected to have a headstart into the final year with the current regulations given their development in 2024.