As the sun sets on the dazzling Las Vegas strip, the Formula 1 paddock buzzes with anticipation for the penultimate race of the 2024 season. Amidst the glitz and glamour, one team has their eyes firmly set on the future: McLaren. Led by the ever-optimistic CEO Zak Brown, the Woking-based outfit is riding high on a wave of success, having clinched five victories this year alone. But it’s not just the wins that have Brown excited – it’s the growth of his star driver, Lando Norris.
The Rise of Lando Norris
Lando Norris burst onto the Formula 1 scene in 2019 as a fresh-faced rookie with a cheeky grin and a whole lot of talent. Over the years, the young Brit has honed his skills, maturing into a formidable force on the track. This season, Norris claimed three stunning victories, showcasing his raw speed and racecraft. Yet, as Brown admits, the path to success hasn’t always been smooth.
“You learn along the way, right? A Formula 1 team is about actually kind of constantly making little mistakes, and that’s when you learn,”
– Zak Brown on Lando Norris’ growth
Learning from Mistakes
Despite his undeniable talent, Norris has had his fair share of missed opportunities this season. A costly spin in Monaco, a botched pit stop in Silverstone, and a controversial collision with teammate Oscar Piastri in Monza – these mistakes have left many wondering if the 23-year-old is truly ready to challenge for the title. But Brown believes these setbacks have only made Norris stronger.
“Lando has gone from never winning a race to competing for the championship in the same year, which is pretty rare…I think he’s had a lot to digest.”
– Zak Brown on Norris’ rapid rise
The Verstappen Factor
Of course, Norris isn’t the only young gun making waves in Formula 1. Reigning champion Max Verstappen has been in a league of his own this season, racking up an astonishing 12 victories so far. The Dutchman’s dominant form has left many questioning whether anyone can challenge him in the near future. But Brown remains optimistic.
“If you’re stepping on Red Bull, you know you’re doing a good job. So he’s shown he’s very capable. We’re very capable of taking it to him.”
– Zak Brown on challenging Max Verstappen
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 season draws to a close, all eyes are on the future. For McLaren, that future is inextricably linked to the success of Lando Norris. With a car that has proven itself capable of winning races and a driver who is hungry for more, the pieces are falling into place for a title challenge in 2025.
But Brown knows that success in Formula 1 is never guaranteed. The sport is notoriously fickle, with fortunes changing in the blink of an eye. As he puts it:
“We see how quickly the sport can change…So I think we’re feet on the ground, head down, recognising how competitive the sport is and how quickly things can change.”
– Zak Brown on the unpredictable nature of F1
For now, though, the mood in the McLaren garage is one of quiet confidence. With a team that is firing on all cylinders and a driver who is growing with every race, the future looks bright. As the sun rises on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lando Norris and his McLaren will be ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead – and maybe, just maybe, claim that elusive world championship.
