He will change how aggressively he can race the Dutchman.
The team started the season much weaker than Red Bull but a major upgrade in Miami completely turned around the team's performance and transformed the MCL38 into the best car on average from May onwards.
To the constructors' championship crown, Verstappen and Red Bull suffered a 10-race winless streak due to car balance issues, but by then, the Dutchman had accumulated a substantial lead in the drivers' championship, making Norris' outside title bid dependent on an error-free run until the end of the season.
Norris lost valuable points in several instances during his rivalry with Verstappen, whose outstanding Brazilian Grand Prix victory solidified his fourth championship title, which he secured with two races remaining.
According to Norris, having to overcome a significant points deficit also influenced how he and Verstappen drove against each other, with the Red Bull driver being much more aggressive than the Briton - with the knowledge that Norris was more desperate to reach the finish line and accumulate points than he was.
The attitude difference between the two drivers first became apparent when they clashed in the Austrian Grand Prix, as Norris attempted to take the lead from Verstappen, resulting in contact that forced Norris out of the race while Verstappen secured a fifth-place finish.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing's RB20, and Lando Norris, McLaren's MCL38, engage in a fierce competition for the lead.
Photo by Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
for a valuable win.
.
There would have been too many situations where we were both out of contention, and it would have been beneficial for him more than for me.
If McLaren manages to overcome its early season struggles and begins the 2025 season on a strong note, Norris won't need to mount a dramatic comeback.
Being on a similar level in a competitive car would enable Norris to drive as aggressively as Verstappen has against him, rather than having to exercise caution to avoid losing opportunities to catch up on points against the reigning four-time world champion.
The main priority is getting off to a good start, which completely alters the mindset of every driver," Norris said. "It would be a vastly different mindset for Max if he's 50 points behind compared to 50 points ahead. That's the most significant difference.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20, clashes with Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
However, those unusual 2024 championship circumstances do not justify Norris's hesitation to acknowledge that Verstappen had the upper hand most of the time they were racing closely together, with Norris admitting he "wasn't at the level I need to be" when racing his notoriously aggressive rival.
"It was a difficult year, but I gained a lot of knowledge from those experiences," the 25-year-old said. "There are certainly areas where I need to improve. I'm always the first to acknowledge this – I don't need others to point out my mistakes, as I have people who support me and offer guidance through challenging situations.
Yes, definitely, Texas Turn 1 up the hill where Norris left the door open for Verstappen was just a mistake on my part. I know that more than anyone else. There are definitely areas where I need to improve and make adjustments, and I feel like I made progress on those situations towards the end of last year.
I was aware I wasn't at the level required when I first faced Max - that was evident. And I accept that. It still hurts. It always hurts when you compete and don't emerge victorious.
That's just the way life goes sometimes. As long as I've learned from my mistakes and don't repeat them, I'll just accept it and strive to do a better job.
When asked if he needs to make a point to Verstappen in 2025 when they inevitably interact on the track, he responded: "I need to get my elbows out and I need to show him that I’m not going to give up positions easily – those kinds of things."
I simply have to drive intelligently. To compete against Max, one needs to be a skilled driver. I'm looking forward to it.
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