What a year! Lando Norris seemed poised to challenge Max Verstappen for the title in 2024, but the Dutchman ultimately proved too strong. Despite some mistakes, the Brit had a great year, partly due to his first ever GP victory. We’ve compiled all this and more in a photo series for you. Starting with the above picture of McLaren’s constructor’s title: Norris played a significant role in the team’s first championship since 1998.
The Year of Lando Norris in Pictures:
The first time on the top step of the podium: the Miami Grand Prix 2024 will always be special for Lando Norris. He dedicates the victory to Gil de Ferran. The Brazilian former driver, who passed away a few months earlier, had a close relationship with Norris at McLaren. Although the Brit had a stroke of luck with the safety car during the race, his victory is an early indication that it could be a successful season.
Despite a successful year for McLaren, the team also makes several strategic mistakes. These cost Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri valuable points and sometimes even the victory, as in Spain. Max Verstappen and Red Bull prove to be better strategists: the Dutchman wins. “But we had the fastest car,” says Norris, a sentiment Verstappen agrees with. A missed opportunity for Norris, and not for the last time, as it will turn out.
They fight each other for laps in Austria: Norris on the inside of Verstappen and then on the outside. It ends in tears a little later, as the Dutchman proves to be just a bit more experienced, smarter, and bolder than his British friend and rival. Norris hits the RB20, damages his own car, and has to retire from the race. It is his only retirement in 2024.
‘Orange above’, but different. Lando Norris wins in Zandvoort, spoiling the Dutch party for Max Verstappen. However, the victory is well-deserved, Norris reigns like a king in the dunes and thus achieves one of his most beautiful victories of 2024.
Lando Norris congratulates teammate Oscar Piastri after the race in Hungary: the Australian wins his first Grand Prix and it’s a cause for celebration. Norris himself finishes second and is happy for his teammate, but also disappointed. He could and would have liked to win here himself.
McLaren’s Victory and Norris’ Contribution
Indeed, it’s a victory to celebrate, and it’s Lando Norris who delivers it. The British driver eases off the gas towards the end of the race, complying with McLaren’s team orders. For a moment, there’s a widespread fear that the seven points he’s given away could cost him in a title fight with Verstappen.
Heightening Tension in the Title Race
Is the title race heating up after all? Norris secures his third victory of the season in Singapore, McLaren is incredibly fast, and Red Bull and Max Verstappen are worried. In the sweltering and humid conditions of Singapore, Norris showcases his class and speed. Yet another impressive victory.
Norris’ Heartbreak in Brazil
It’s a tearful day for Norris in Brazil, with even the heavens weeping in São Paulo. The rain pours down relentlessly, turning the day into a nightmare for the British driver. He starts from pole position, while rival Verstappen starts from P17. This is his chance to make a significant move in the title race, but Norris sees a promising result washed away. He’s not good enough, while Verstappen drives superbly and even secures a win.
Norris’s Title Dream Ends in Las Vegas
For Norris, Las Vegas is where his dream of a championship title comes to an end. Max Verstappen secures his fourth world title in the American desert city by finishing ahead of the Brit. Norris, for his part, admits he had already lost faith. “Congratulations to Max, he is the deserving champion. We will now focus on winning the constructors’ title,” he says.
Norris Ends Season with Victory in Abu Dhabi
Norris concludes the season with a win in the final race in Abu Dhabi, leading McLaren to the constructors’ championship. The Brit himself once again demonstrates that he is a driver to be seriously considered for the title in 2025. Will it be Norris versus Verstappen again? Only time will tell. With four GP victories, a constructors’ title, and a second place in the drivers’ championship, Norris can be satisfied with his 2024 performance. “And it can always get better, it was a year of learning,” he reflects.
