Bernie Ecclestone’s brutal verdict on Lando Norris: “Too cocky, chokes when it matters”. Bernie Ecclestone predicts Max Verstappen will win the 2025 F1 World Championship.

F1 | Ecclestone: “Max will win. Norris is too overconfident and struggles under pressure”

At 95, Bernie Ecclestone remains firm in his prediction: Max Verstappen will take the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. The former F1 boss, who has witnessed decades of world titles, expressed his views in an interview with the Daily Mail, once again backing the Dutch driver he considers “the best I’ve ever known.”

Abu Dhabi: Ecclestone’s fixed pick

“I continue to believe that Max will make it because he deserves it. I used to say Alain Prost was the greatest driver of all time, but now I think Max is the best I’ve ever seen,” Ecclestone said. Given his long history in Formula 1, his words carry significant weight in the paddock.

Ecclestone critiques Lando Norris

While showing respect for the British driver, Ecclestone made it clear that Lando Norris does not measure up to Verstappen in crucial moments. “Lando is talented and a very good driver, but he is too confident and overestimates himself. When the pressure rises, he gets nervous and can’t perform at his best, unlike Max,” he explained.

Ecclestone also believes Norris has benefited excessively from team support. “McLaren has been far too accommodating to Lando, often at the expense of Oscar Piastri. For example, at Monza, when they orchestrated a position swap after a slow pit stop for Norris. That’s not how I would handle it—a slow pit stop is part of racing, and you have to accept it rather than manipulate the outcome,” he added.

Max remains the safe bet

Ultimately, Bernie Ecclestone has no doubts about who his bet is on. “You can never bet against Max. I hope he completes the job. He’s special and truly one of a kind,” he concluded, reaffirming his long-standing support for the Dutch driver as the 2025 F1 season reaches its climax in Abu Dhabi.

Coming from the architect of modern Formula 1, it is about as strong an endorsement as Max Verstappen could wish for – and the harshest possible warning for Lando Norris heading into the season decider under the Yas Marina lights.