Lando Norris‘ 2025 title battle drew attention from Formula 1 figures, with Jenson Button remarking that Norris’ open display of emotion might hinder his championship run. As Norris became a strong contender in the season, his journey tested McLaren’s team dynamics and set the stage for significant developments in the sport.
Jenson Button Raises Concerns Over Norris’ Driving Approach
Jenson Button, Britain’s 2009 world champion and Norris’ predecessor as the nation’s F1 titleholder, reflected on Norris’ racing style. He confessed to the BBC Somerset that he believed Norris’ habit of being open about his feelings during races could be his undoing in the fierce 2025 competition.
“Lando wears his heart on his sleeve,”
Button said, referencing Norris’ tendency to express frustration or passion openly on the radio and in the paddock.
Button elaborated on Norris’ raw talent, recalling the young Briton’s impact during his early testing days.
“His talent is beyond question. His speed is simply incredible. I still remember vividly when he completed his first test in the McLaren in Hungary. He was super-fast right from the start.”
– Jenson Button, 2009 F1 World Champion
Norris’ Rollercoaster Path to Champion
Lando Norris began his 2024 campaign as a genuine title hopeful after McLaren finished the previous year with a much-improved car. His primary rival was Max Verstappen, who had a commanding start that put pressure on the rest of the field. Despite falling behind Oscar Piastri, his McLaren teammate, in the first half of 2025, Norris displayed resilience and determination throughout the tense championship race.
The close intra-team competition at McLaren, occasionally marked by outbursts, highlighted tension between Norris and Piastri as both drivers pushed the limits amid team directives – sometimes referred to as ‘papaya rules’. Against these challenges, Norris managed to clinch the world championship by a slender two-point margin, securing his place atop the sport and becoming Britain’s newest F1 title winner.
Highlight Races and McLaren’s 2025 Surge
Norris kicked off the 2025 season triumphantly with a win in Australia but then faced a podium drought until his victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. He regained form in the latter part of the season, adding wins in Austria, Britain, Hungary, Mexico, and Brazil. This consistent success confirmed McLaren’s resurgence as a leading force in Formula 1.
Looking ahead, McLaren has confirmed retaining both Norris and Piastri for 2026, preparing to navigate upcoming changes as F1 introduces new regulations and car designs. The team’s 2026 car will be revealed in February at their Woking base, following initial livery unveilings in America by Red Bull and Racing Bulls in January. Pre-season testing is scheduled in Barcelona at the end of January, and McLaren hopes their current momentum will carry over into the new era.
McLaren’s Future and the Sport’s Next Phase
The remarkable 2025 F1 season cemented Lando Norris’ status as a world champion, overcoming both internal and external obstacles. His journey, under the scrutiny of figures like Jenson Button, reflects the pressure and intensity of contesting a world title. As McLaren looks to the future with their unchanged driver lineup and consistent leadership, anticipation builds for how Norris will handle fresh rivalries and technical challenges in the evolving landscape of Formula 1 racing.
