P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has claimed McLaren must ensure that Max Verstappen can’t be in a situation like 2024 where he can “sacrifice” results to help his F1 title prospects.
The previous campaign saw Verstappen win his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, with Norris achieving his best result to date by finishing second. McLaren’s rise as the leading team mid-season, along with Red Bull’s decline, made Norris a serious threat to Verstappen’s title success. This led to intense battles on track between the two drivers, starting with contact in Austria that forced Norris to retire. Verstappen emerged victorious again in Austin after a controversial late pass by Norris outside track limits cost him a podium position. Despite Verstappen’s aggressive tactics, Norris acknowledged his own shortcomings in their wheel-to-wheel duels. Looking ahead to 2025, Norris aims to secure his maiden title by making a strong start and avoiding being put in compromising positions by his rival Verstappen.
