Lando Norris made F1 75 statement that shows he’s still not taken advice Martin Brundle gave him

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McLaren driver Lando Norris goes into the 2025 Formula 1 season with his best chance yet to add his name to the sport’s list of incredible champions.

After winning the constructors’ championship in 2024, McLaren will hope the impending regulation changes for next year mean that their rivals won’t spend too much time and money on trying to usurp them.

Of course, that’s very unlikely to happen, but the amount of in-season updates may decrease as the campaign goes on.

Ferrari have unveiled a car containing one radical change and Red Bull have never been a team to rest on their laurels.

Even Williams have made a ‘night and day’ change to their 2025 car even if they’re not expected to challenge for podiums and victories.

Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri start with the slightest advantage over their rivals based on how last season ended.

Nico Rosberg believes Norris is the favourite this year, but it won’t be known until the Australian Grand Prix whether McLaren are still the fastest team on the grid.

However, Norris has been advised by Martin Brundle and McLaren CEO Zak Brown that he needs to believe in himself more and alter his mentality if he wants to become a champion.

At Tuesday night’s F1 75 event, he was unconvincing in proving that he had improved that element of his psyche.

Lando Norris criticises 2024 performance during F1 75 event

Norris was speaking to Jack Whitehall after Williams’ livery was revealed and asked if 2025 is going to be his year after coming so close last season.

He replied: “It wasn’t that close, to be honest, Max had it, but I hope so.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from parents to celebration

“I’m working hard, the team are working hard. The team did an amazing job last year, so if we can start the season like we ended, then yes, the answer is yes.”

Whitehall then asked Norris if he would have done anything differently last season and explained: “Honestly, no. I did the best I could in every situation. I’ve learnt, did I do a good enough job? No.

“It’s a simple answer, so I took it on the chin and will make sure I give a better fight this season.”

What Zak Brown and Martin Brundle have said about Lando Norris’ self-belief

Brown has admitted his frustration with Norris being harsh on himself in the past and said towards the end of last season: “I think he’s a little too hard on himself. If he’s not happy with his performance, I think he’s too critical of himself.

“He needs to like, man, I could have done better and move on. But he’ll wear his heart on his sleeve, which is great because he’s a genuine guy.

“But the things he thinks he made a mistake on, I think, aren’t that big compared to what he thinks they are. I think that will come with some more maturity.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

Brundle said in 2023 on Sky Sports F1 after the Brazilian Grand Prix to Norris: “I would say I admire your humility and your honesty.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, to give you a piece of advice you haven’t asked for.

“Because everybody else will be, everybody’s ready to be in the world of sport.”

If Norris is up against Verstappen again, he will need to be tougher and take Brundle’s and Brown’s advice onboard.

The 25-year-old needs to fully believe in his ability and be tougher with the Dutchman on the track to become a Formula 1 champion.