Lando Norris minced no words when analyzing Red Bull’s failure to defend their Constructors’ Championship title in the 2024 F1 season, blaming the team’s over-reliance on Max Verstappen for their downfall. Despite Verstappen winning his fourth Drivers’ Championship title, Red Bull finished a disappointing third in the Constructors’ standings, with their second driver, Sergio Perez, falling well short of expectations.
Norris: Red Bull needed two Verstappens, not one
Norris quickly identified the problem, suggesting that Red Bull would have easily won the Constructors’ title if they had fielded a more competitive second driver. He was quick to point the finger at Perez, whose inconsistent performances saw him finish 280 points behind his teammate.
“Red Bull probably would have won the Constructors’ title if they had two drivers as good as Max,” said Norris, leveling a subtle criticism of Perez. “That’s for sure. It’s clear and obvious. It shows that as a team they probably did the best job, but one driver is not enough in this sport.”
A new chapter: Liam Lawson enters the scene
Red Bull has since made a bold move by replacing Perez with young New Zealand sensation Liam Lawson for the 2025 season. The team is banking on Lawson’s ability to offer Verstappen the type of competitive partnership they have lacked in recent years . Although many believe Lawson’s promotion could rectify Red Bull’s long-term problem with its second driver, Norris seemed unfazed by the change.
“It has nothing to do with me, I don’t care,” the McLaren driver said. “He [Verstappen] can have whoever he wants as a teammate.”
-High expectations for Lawson
For Red Bull, the stakes have never been higher. With McLaren and Ferrari hot on their heels, the team needs Lawson to deliver from day one. The 22-year-old, who won his seat after a remarkable performance in a few races last season, is being hailed as a potential star. However, matching Verstappen’s level is no easy feat, even experienced drivers have struggled in this role.
If Lawson can rise to the challenge, Red Bull could find themselves back in the fight for the Constructors’ title. But if the Kiwi falters, the team faces another year of frustration, watching McLaren and Ferrari battle for supremacy.
Norris and McLaren: Eyes on the prize
Meanwhile, Norris remains focused on McLaren’s upward trajectory. The team has pushed Red Bull hard in 2024 and is poised for another strong campaign. With a more consistent lineup and an improving car, McLaren could be in a position to take advantage of any weaknesses in the Red Bull camp.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Lawson’s debut and whether he can help Red Bull regain its lost glory—or whether Norris and McLaren will once again capitalize on their rivals’ shortcomings.
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