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Lando Norris acknowledges Max Verstappen as a serious contender in the ongoing 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, setting the stage for a fierce battle for the title.
McLaren driver Lando Norris has publicly stated that Max Verstappen of Red Bull is a "genuine challenger" in the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. This declaration comes as the title race heats up, with Verstappen securing back-to-back victories that have significantly narrowed the points gap to championship leaders Oscar Piastri and Norris.
As of Thursday, October 2, 2025, Verstappen is 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri and 44 points adrift of second-placed Lando Norris, with 199 points still available across the remaining seven races and three sprint events. Verstappen's recent wins in Italy and Azerbaijan have revitalized Red Bull's campaign, with the team's upgrades improving his comfort and performance in the car.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has also affirmed Verstappen's strong contention, stating, "A firm YES. Can you write it in capitals? Because it was quoted in capitals."
The rivalry between Norris and Verstappen has been a prominent feature of the 2025 season. Norris, who finished second in the 2024 drivers' championship, has expressed his intent to adopt a more aggressive approach against Verstappen this season, vowing to "get my elbows out" and not willingly concede positions. Despite this, Norris emphasizes the need to be a "smart driver" and avoid unnecessary risks.
The two drivers have had several on-track clashes, including incidents in Austria, the USA, and Mexico during the 2024 season, which led to penalties for both. Norris initially felt "let down" after a collision with Verstappen at the Red Bull Ring but later admitted to saying things in the heat of the moment that he "didn't necessarily believe in."
The 2025 F1 season marks the last year for the power unit configuration introduced in 2014, with a new configuration set to be implemented in 2026. Additionally, 2025 is the final season for the drag reduction system (DRS), which will be replaced by active aerodynamics and movable wings in 2026.
McLaren is focused on supporting both Norris and Piastri equally in their pursuit of the title, with CEO Zak Brown committed to fostering an environment where both drivers can thrive without favoritism. Brown acknowledges that unforeseen incidents, such as Norris's power unit-related retirement in the Netherlands, can impact championship hopes, highlighting the need for strategic reassessment.
The intensifying rivalry and close points standings suggest a high-stakes conclusion to the season. The potential for further on-track incidents between Norris and Verstappen remains a risk, which could significantly impact the championship outcome for either driver. McLaren's strategy of equal opportunity for both drivers, while promoting fair competition, also carries the risk of internal competition potentially hindering a unified effort against Verstappen.
It remains uncertain how the remaining races, particularly those on low-downforce tracks where Red Bull is expected to perform strongly, will influence the championship standings. The impact of potential mechanical failures or driver errors in the high-pressure environment of a tight title race is also an unknown factor.
All eyes will be on the upcoming races, particularly the Singapore Grand Prix, to see if Verstappen can continue his momentum and further close the gap. The dynamic between Norris and Verstappen, both on and off the track, will be a key storyline to follow as the championship battle progresses. The performance of McLaren's upgrades and Red Bull's continued development will also be crucial factors.
The 2025 Formula 1 season celebrates the 75th anniversary of the championship. The calendar includes sprint format races in China, Miami, Belgium, the United States, São Paulo, and Qatar.
