Norris improves: 'But has to manage Verstappen's aggressive driving better'
F1 News
Thanks to Lando Norris' victory in Abu Dhabi, the British driver could secure McLaren the constructors' title. With the two Ferraris behind and Oscar Piastri out of the points for most of the race, Martin Brundle saw a calm, improved version of the Briton.
Norris claimed his fourth victory of the season in Abu Dhabi. While in the constructors' championship, McLaren were indeed victorious, the Briton lost the individual title against Max Verstappen. The Briton hopes next year would be 'his year'. Martin Brundle believes that he needs to continue his Abu Dhabi performance to do just that.
"It was the kind of performance from Norris that can win him a world championship, totally calm and reassured, he is now extremely comfortable out front of a Grand Prix as well as gunning for pole position," the former driver wrote in his Sky Sports column.
However, Brundle underlines that it will not all be just given to Norris next year. "He'll need to find a better way to manage Verstappen's aggressive driving and relentless speed and talent, but Lando must start as one of the favourites for the 2025 title. Driver and team rivals will not stand still, including his teammate Piastri, and so he'll need to bring this kind of completeness and 'A game' to every one of the 24 races."
'Sainz should be at top team'
Behind Norris, it was Carlos Sainz who finished in second place, scoring a podium finish in his final race for Ferrari. According to the Briton, it does not make much sense that the Spaniard will not drive for a frontrunner team next season. "Sainz has a perfect attitude and mindset about heading to current midfielders Williams, but it's a travesty that he's not in either a Mercedes or Red Bull next season."
Brundle also praised Lewis Hamilton, who drove his final weekend for Mercedes and will now replace Sainz at Ferrari. "Spectacularly passing teammate George Russell around the outside of Turn 9 on the final lap, [it] was another outstanding drive from 16th. It was vintage Hamilton," the Sky Sports analyst concluded.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!