2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has tipped Lando Norris to win subsequent yr’s world championship, declaring the McLaren driver because the “favorite” as a result of “he’s driving so brilliantly”.
Norris secured his fourth F1 victory of the yr as he received the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
His win meant that McLaren clinched their first F1 constructors’ title since 1998.
Consideration is already turning to subsequent yr, with many pundits anticipating there to be 4 groups within the struggle – McLaren, Ferrari, Purple Bull and Mercedes.
Waiting for 2025, Rosberg – and Danica Patrick – who had been a part of Sky’s punditry workforce in Abu Dhabi, gave their early predictions for the drivers’ title.
Patrick was first to reply, and she or he mentioned: “I really feel like from Silverstone on you’ll be able to actually see that leap. After all, as soon as the drivers began getting their wins this yr, I believe that each Lando and Oscar can have discovered a lot this yr, a lot success got here abruptly.
“I really assume that it’s McLaren’s yr subsequent yr and I actually do assume Lando… I imply he’s my choose.”
Rosberg then added: “Completely! Lando is my choose for driver’s World Champion subsequent yr and he confirmed it once more as we speak, he’s driving so brilliantly, he’s the favorite.”
Was 2024 a missed alternative for Norris?
Whereas Norris was happy to carry residence the Constructors’ title for McLaren in 2024, was it a missed alternative for him when it comes to the drivers’ crown?
Since Miami, McLaren have loved a efficiency benefit over Purple Bull.
Nonetheless, Max Verstappen has been capable of prolong his championship lead and win the title with two races to spare.
Norris can be left to rue a variety of errors on his aspect – comparable to poor begins in Hungary and Italy – whereas McLaren deserve blame for a few of their strategic decisions (Canada and Britain).
When it comes to outright tempo, although, Norris has been acting at a world champion degree.
He dismantled highly-rated teammate Oscar Piastri in qualifying (20-4) and, for the reason that summer time break, has usually been faultless other than Brazil.