Lando Norris has sent a warning to Max Verstappen ahead of the new F1 season after admitting he had 'many areas' to improve from last year.
The Brit comes into the season as the bookies favourite after missing out on the title last year despite having the quicker car towards the end of the season.
Norris scored a career best total of 374 points to finish second in the standings, however, he did technically become champion after McLaren were crowned constructor's champions.
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Speaking at the O2 ahead of the 2025 season launch, Norris took ownership of his title as the championship favourite.
“Of course there is going to be more pressure on the whole team, everyone is going to think ‘they did it last year’ so there will be more eyes on us, and more expectation," he told the media.
“I know coming into this season for a lot of people I’m the favourite and as a team we are the favourite.”
Despite a string of mistakes in 2024, Norris made the bold claim he will excel under pressure this year in a clear warning to Verstappen.
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“A lot of people think pressure is a bad thing, but for me it’s really the opposite," he added.
“I’ve always done much better under pressure, and to be able to think and to focus more under pressure.
"I still get nervous, and I feel pressure and I know it’s there but my best performances have often come when that is around. There is more eyes and more expectation for me to prove I’ve stepped it up again”
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Despite the confidence, there was also a clear level of self-awareness about the McLaren star, who admitted he will have to make a significant improvement if he is to go one better this year.
“I had a good year [last year] but it was clear I needed to improve in many areas, especially my fighting against Max, but I’m not going to be just fighting Max this season it’s going to be many other drivers," he explained.
“I need to step it up and I’m ready to do so.”
Norris will get his title charge underway in Australia next month, with teams expected to have a better understanding on car performance following next week's Bahrain test.
Topics: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, McLaren, Formula 1
Tom Jenkins