Lando Norris holds the title of defending Formula 1 champion, yet rivals on the grid do not yet fear him during intense wheel-to-wheel battles as they do Max Verstappen. Former racer Juan Pablo Montoya argues that Verstappen maintains a clear edge in intimidatory presence.
Montoya’s Analysis of Norris’ Championship Win
During the previous season, Norris engaged in a tight title fight with teammate Oscar Piastri as McLaren led the grid for much of the year. Red Bull surged late, positioning Verstappen back in contention, but Norris clinched the crown by staying composed in the Abu Dhabi finale, ending Verstappen’s streak of four straight titles.
Montoya, a former McLaren and Williams driver, believes Norris must achieve more to earn true respect from competitors. “They’re going to target drivers with the fastest cars,” the Colombian stated. “To make others fear Lando Norris, he needs one or two more championships. He won last season with the best car, capitalized on it brilliantly, and secured the title. But it wasn’t the drama of Max’s first championship against Lewis Hamilton. That debut title for Max was monumental. His follow-ups? Many drivers could have won in that car. That’s how people view Lando. In this sport, without the fastest car, victory remains elusive.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown’s Optimism
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown es full confidence that Norris will not settle after fulfilling his lifelong dream. The American highlights Norris’ soaring self-belief and drive to build a dynasty akin to Verstappen’s.
Brown said: “Some drivers achieve it once and stop. Others, like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Michael Schumacher, aim for twice, three, or four times. Lando’s confidence is sky-high. He’s extremely motivated. Our role is to equip him and Oscar Piastri with the machinery to contend for the title again. If we deliver, both will have strong chances.”
