With just six races remaining in the 2024 Formula 1 season, an electrifying conversation is brewing around a young British talent who has taken the grid by storm: Lando Norris. Known for his raw speed, daring overtakes, and effervescent personality, Norris has grown from being an exciting prospect to a genuine title contender. What was once seen as a “development year” for the McLaren driver has now transformed into a serious campaign for the World Drivers’ Championship.
According to prominent F1 commentator Will Buxton, Norris has more than just an outside shot at glory—he has a real chance to claim his first world title, despite stiff competition from more seasoned rivals. But with only six races left, can Norris pull off the seemingly improbable and etch his name in F1 history?
A Season of Growth and Momentum
Lando Norris’s rise to contention this season has been nothing short of remarkable. While McLaren was expected to perform respectably, no one anticipated the sheer speed and consistency Norris would deliver after the summer break. The mid-season upgrades to the McLaren car have unlocked an entirely new level of performance, with Norris capitalizing on every opportunity.
Buxton points out that momentum is everything in Formula 1, and Norris has plenty of it. In the last few races, Norris has been on the podium more frequently, with some of the best drives of his career. His ability to maximize results on tracks where McLaren wasn’t expected to be competitive speaks volumes about his growing maturity and racecraft. With a string of second-place finishes and near-victories, it’s clear that Norris is knocking on the door of his first win—and perhaps more.
The Importance of Car Development
One of the keys to Norris’s surge has been McLaren’s rapid car development throughout the season. Early in the year, the team lagged behind powerhouses like Red Bull and Ferrari. However, a series of significant upgrades to aerodynamics and mechanical grip have turned the McLaren MCL60 into one of the fastest cars on the grid. This, combined with Norris’s confidence behind the wheel, has transformed him into a regular contender for podiums and victories.
Buxton’s belief in Norris’s chances isn’t unfounded; McLaren’s development trajectory mirrors that of other teams that have made late-season title pushes in the past. The team’s ability to improve their car as the season has progressed could be pivotal in the final stretch, especially if rivals such as Red Bull falter under pressure.
The Rivals: Verstappen, Hamilton, and Leclerc
Of course, Norris is not without stiff competition. Leading the standings is Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion who has had another dominant year with Red Bull. Verstappen’s relentless consistency and aggressive driving style have earned him a commanding lead, but the pressure of defending a title often grows heavier in the final stages of a season. Will Buxton suggests that Verstappen, despite his brilliance, may feel the heat as Norris continues to close the gap. Even a single mistake in the final races could open the door for Norris.
Then there’s Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion. Though Hamilton hasn’t had the easiest of seasons, his experience in title fights is unmatched. He knows exactly how to navigate the high-stakes atmosphere of a title decider. However, Mercedes hasn’t quite matched McLaren’s upward trajectory in car development, and Hamilton may find himself relying more on strategy and race management rather than outright speed. Norris, having raced wheel-to-wheel with Hamilton several times this season, is no longer intimidated by his mentor-turned-rival, and a battle between the two Brits could define the final races.
Charles Leclerc, too, remains a wildcard in this championship fight. Ferrari’s performance has been inconsistent, but Leclerc’s raw pace and occasional brilliance make him a dangerous contender in any race. Should Ferrari get their act together, Leclerc could easily mix things up at the front and play a spoiler role in Norris’s quest for the title.
Can Norris Handle the Pressure?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Lando Norris is whether he can handle the immense pressure that comes with being in a title fight. Unlike Verstappen, Hamilton, or even Leclerc, Norris has never been in a position to win the championship this late in the season. Every point, every qualifying session, and every overtaking maneuver will carry enormous weight from here on out.
However, Norris has shown time and again that he thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to deliver quick laps under pressure, especially during qualifying, has been a hallmark of his season. Moreover, his level-headedness in race situations, knowing when to attack and when to hold back, suggests that he has the temperament to handle the title chase. Norris has also displayed a remarkable sense of humor and lightheartedness off the track, which may be a crucial asset in managing the mental strain of a championship run.
The Final Races: What’s at Stake?
The final six races of the season will test Norris like never before. With tracks like Suzuka, Austin, and Interlagos on the horizon, Norris will have to balance aggression with caution. Each circuit presents its unique challenges, and while the McLaren has shown it can perform well across a range of conditions, Norris will need everything to go perfectly to keep his title hopes alive.
Will Buxton’s belief in Norris stems not only from the driver’s performance but also from the unpredictable nature of Formula 1. A single race can change everything—an unexpected safety car, a mechanical failure for a rival, or a strategic masterstroke could tip the balance in Norris’s favor. And with Verstappen and Hamilton far from invincible, the title race could come down to the wire.
Conclusion: A Star Ready to Shine?
Lando Norris has already exceeded expectations this season, but the prospect of him winning the World Drivers’ Championship remains tantalizingly real. Buxton’s confidence in Norris is rooted in the momentum, maturity, and undeniable talent the young Brit has shown. With just six races left, the pressure is on, but Norris appears ready for the challenge.
Can he deliver? If he does, it would mark one of the most extraordinary rises in Formula 1 history—a young driver stepping out from the shadow of his peers to claim his place at the pinnacle of motorsport.