We are just days away from the start of the new Formula One season, and as expected given how the 2024 season ended, McLaren is at the center of nearly all discussions—particularly the driver they have invested in: Lando Norris. It is precisely about him that two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen has shared his opinion.
According to the Finn, Lando Norris is “absolutely ready” to become world champion this year. Lando Norris challenged Max Verstappen and Red Bull for the Drivers’ Title in 2024 when the MCL38 became increasingly competitive in its second year, but the Briton fell short against his rival.
Many have criticized Lando Norris for making too many mistakes and failing to capitalize on Red Bull’s struggles, and the McLaren driver himself admitted that he and his team did not do a “good enough” job last year.
However, Mika Hakkinen, who won both of his F1 titles with McLaren in the late 1990s, believes that the challenges Norris faced in 2024 are part of his growth process and that he now has a better chance of defeating a strong Max Verstappen.
When asked whether Lando Norris is ready to become a champion after the events of 2024, Mika Hakkinen responded:
“Absolutely. You have to be critical of yourself. That way, you keep developing and pushing. He has been critical of himself. He has pushed to the limit. When you’re not yet a world champion, when you’re working to reach that goal, you go through many mistakes and a lot of stress. He is ready to achieve his goal.”
Last year, Lando Norris finished second in the F1 standings, 63 points behind Max Verstappen, after securing his first victory in Miami and additional wins in Zandvoort, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, McLaren won the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since Mika Hakkinen led the Woking-based team to a title double in 1998.
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