Norris praised for dealing with Verstappen: 'He has grown so much'

According to Herbert, Norris managed to hit all the right notes at the first round of the 2025 season, and survived it even when he made a mistake in the final sector. "Fundamentally, Lando Norris showed the strength that I think we all wanted to see, coming out the blocks in the first race of the season. It is a very important time, where the championship can be won or lost. He capitalised when they both went off the circuit, obviously Oscar Piastri lost a lot of time getting stuck on the grass and eventually finishing ninth," he explained to a betting site.

He therefore thinks: "Lando didn't put the foot wrong. He was under pressure with Max Verstappen. But at the end of the day, he beat Max," he praised the McLaren driver.

Herbert clear: McLaren the fastest

Herbert also continued praising Norris' composure throughout the chaotic Grand Prix, but also at the weekend as a whole. "What struck me was how much Lando has matured. In the past he has got high-pitched and very excited. In Melbourne he was very, very calm in that cockpit. And he was calm all over the weekend. That shows maturity over what we saw last year to now. I think it's a perfect result and perfect timing."

The former steward also sees that McLaren managed to deliver at the first weekend, and capitalise on having the best car on the grid at the moment. "McLaren started as they needed to do, which was to be the strongest and fastest and then actually not throw it away. Lando is showing signs that Max has really got a fight on his hands. The fastest car on the track is a McLaren," he concluded.

This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen

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