A former Formula 1 world champion has issued a stark warning to Lando Norris as the young Brit prepares for the 2025 season. Despite a stellar 2024 campaign that saw Norris finish second in the Drivers’ Championship—63 points behind Max Verstappen—the McLaren star was reminded of a critical misstep: falling into Verstappen’s “trap.” While Norris’ efforts helped McLaren secure the Constructors’ title, the racing legend believes he underestimated the ruthless competitor behind Verstappen’s friendly facade.
As Norris eyes his maiden world title, the advice is clear: don’t let camaraderie cloud the cutthroat reality of F1.
Damon Hill’s advice for Norris against Verstappen
Lando Norris’ 2024 season was a breakout year. With two Grand Prix wins and a runner-up finish in the Drivers’ Championship, the McLaren star cemented himself as a force to reckon with. Yet, according to 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill, Norris fell into a subtle but costly trap: underestimating Max Verstappen’s competitive edge.
“I think he fell into the trap last year of thinking when going up against Max that he was racing against his mate,” Hill explained. “Actually, despite their friendship, he was taking on his worst enemy. And in Max’s mind when he is driving, there is just Max.”
Hill’s insight highlights a crucial dynamic. Norris and Verstappen share a friendly off-track rapport, but on the circuit, Verstappen transforms into a relentless competitor. Last season, Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title with two races to spare, leaving Norris to reflect on missed opportunities.
Despite the setback, Hill remains bullish about Norris’ potential.
“Lando is a force,” he declared, praising the 24-year-old’s ability to extract extra performance when it matters most. “He blames himself when he makes mistakes. He is very hard on himself. It’s a hallmark of a great driver.”
Norris’ self-critical nature, while a sign of his drive for perfection, also underscores the mental toll of competing at F1’s highest level. Hill, who hails from Guildford—McLaren’s backyard—has a soft spot for the team but hopes for a balanced championship battle.
“I would like to see them do well, but not to be dominant. I would prefer it to be a hard fight, good for the fans.”
As Lando Norris gears up for 2025, Hill’s advice is clear: treat Max Verstappen as the formidable rival he is, not the friend he appears to be off-track. With McLaren’s resurgence and Norris’ undeniable talent, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
For fans, the prospect of Norris challenging Verstappen’s dominance is tantalizing. But as Hill’s warning reminds us, success in F1 demands more than speed—it requires a mindset as sharp as the turns on the track.