Being thought-about the pre-season favorite can generally add but extra weight to the heavy burden a driver places on their very own shoulders – nevertheless, Lando Norris is aiming to win the F1 title in 2025 not only for himself but in addition to assist line the pockets of those that again him to take action.
Because the McLaren MCL39 broke cowl at a chilly and gray Silverstone on Thursday afternoon, the forecast for the upcoming season is far brighter for Norris.
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The 25-year-old is predicted by many to be the person who lastly overthrows Max Verstappen, with a number of bookmakers declaring the Brit because the almost certainly champion in 2025.
Removed from being crushed beneath the burden of expectation, Norris needs to go one higher than final season, when he in the end got here up brief in his quest to say a primary world championship and wrestle the crown away from Verstappen.
Requested if being the favorite ramped up the stress, Norris replied: “No, I imply I hope they make some huge cash on me!
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“I really feel unhealthy if I allow them to down in the event that they put cash on me, in order that’s positively not one thing that may ever sway me when it comes to my stress, that persons are doing that sort of factor.
“I do know due to final yr, that is simply how issues have gone, as a result of as effectively final yr, these had been the expectations, the expectations for the staff and for myself.
“I am positively not feeling the stress of all of this stuff, I do know there’s the expectation and we’ve extra companions and sponsors and all of this stuff and followers, each single certainly one of this stuff provides to the stress and the nerves of all of it.
“I like seeing these issues, I like listening to them, I like that I’ve that sort of little bit of stress on my again, however on the identical time I simply hope I can exit and make some cash.”
Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Workforce, within the storage
Picture by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Photographs
One bookmaker that considers Norris the recent favorite is Betfair, who has the McLaren man at +225 (9/4) to take the title this season.
“The 2024 F1 season was essentially the most unpredictable in current occasions and extra of the identical is anticipated in 2025, with drivers from three totally different groups topping the checklist of favourites for the upcoming season,” mentioned Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom.
“Having pushed Max Verstappen shut in 2024, Lando Norris is the favorite to win the title. Verstappen’s Crimson Bull staff are predicted to drop in efficiency this season, with Ferrari and Crimson Bull joint-favourites to high the constructors’ standings.
“Norris and his team-mate Oscar Piastri each received a number of races final yr, however the Brit is clearly forward of his McLaren colleague out there. This might point out the British staff’s intention to prioritise Norris as staff chief as soon as once more in 2025.
“All eyes will probably be on Lewis Hamilton as he joins Ferrari, however he’s set for a troublesome battle in opposition to established team-mate Charles Leclerc, which the latter is favorite to edge.
“Regardless of a robust finish to 2024, George Russell’s heads into his first season as Mercedes staff chief as sixth favorite for the Championship.”
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Lando Norris
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