Verstappen Reveals Why Hamilton Was a Tougher Rival Than Norris
Max Verstappen’s battle for the Formula 1 title has seen him face two very different types of challenges—one against the sport’s greatest driver, Lewis Hamilton, and another against the rising star, Lando Norris. While Verstappen’s 2021 showdown with Hamilton is remembered as one of the most intense in F1 history, his 2024 season against Norris has been a different story.
The 2021 season was filled with drama, especially after Verstappen and Hamilton entered the final race in Abu Dhabi tied on points. The controversial finish, where FIA race director Michael Masi mishandled the safety car rules, cast a shadow over what had been a thrilling season. Despite this, Verstappen clinched the title with 10 wins and 18 podiums, narrowly defeating Hamilton by just 8 points.
In contrast, the 2024 campaign has been less dramatic. Verstappen found himself with a comfortable lead over Norris after just five races, holding almost double the points (110 vs 58). Although McLaren showed improvements, Verstappen had to focus on maintaining his advantage.
Verstappen Reflects on the Pressure of Racing Hamilton
In an interview with De Telegraaf, Verstappen discussed the immense pressure he faced during his 2021 battle with Hamilton. Mercedes had dominated F1 for years, and Red Bull was attempting to end their reign. Verstappen acknowledged that, at the time, the outcome of the championship could have gone either way.
He said, “In 2021, there was a lot more pressure for me and the team. We competed against Mercedes, a team that had been dominant for so long, and I was fighting for a championship for the first time. Lewis Hamilton and I finished first and second almost every race. It could have gone either way back then. This year there may have been a bit more drama around the team, but in terms of sport, it was a bit more stressful back then.”
How Hamilton’s 2021 vs Norris’ 2024 Season Compares
While Hamilton and Verstappen’s rivalry reached its peak in 2021, Norris’ rise has been a different trajectory. In 2024, Norris didn’t quite have the same momentum. His team, McLaren, showed promise but lacked the consistency to mount a true championship challenge, and mistakes from both Norris and the team were evident.
Jolyon Palmer noted that “nobody expected Norris to challenge in 2024,” and that he may have found himself in a competitive car a bit too early. However, these challenges have only made him stronger and better prepared for the future. As McLaren’s progress continues, Norris could be a serious contender in 2025.
Red Bull even attempted to sign Norris during the off-season, seeing him as an upgrade over Sergio Perez. Although Norris could have competed alongside Verstappen in equal machinery, his decision to stay with McLaren and help them to a constructors’ triumph may ultimately prove to be the right one.
