Former FIA steward Johnny Herbert has called for greater recognition of Lando Norris‘s accomplishment in securing his first Formula 1 world championship, arguing the McLaren driver deserves more credit for ending Max Verstappen‘s dominant run at the pinnacle of motorsport. The British driver held his nerve through a tense season finale to clinch the crown by a mere two-point margin over the four-time world champion in Abu Dhabi.
Championship battle defied expectations
The 2025 season produced one of the most dramatic title fights in recent memory, with Norris overcoming substantial adversity to claim his maiden championship. The McLaren driver faced a seemingly insurmountable deficit midway through the campaign, trailing then-leader Oscar Piastri by 104 points following the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Yet while Red Bull Racing orchestrated a remarkable resurgence that delivered six victories in the final nine races, Norris maintained composure when it mattered most.
Verstappen’s surge back into contention underscored the Dutchman’s clinical efficiency even when operating machinery that proved inferior to the McLaren package for much of the season. Red Bull’s performance struggles through the middle portion of the year contrasted sharply with McLaren’s aerodynamic advantage, yet strategic missteps from the Woking-based squad allowed what should have been a comfortable championship run to evolve into a three-way contest that went down to the wire.
Herbert challenges narrative around title success
Speaking on the Stay on Track podcast, Herbert expressed frustration with the perception surrounding Norris’s championship victory. The former Jordan and Stewart Grand Prix driver believes the 25-year-old has not received appropriate acknowledgment for his achievement, particularly given the circumstances under which he secured the title.
“Norris deserves more respect from the people who doubt him,” Herbert stated. “He has made many sacrifices and achieved a great deal. His teammate is seen as a future world champion, and he defeated him.” The reference to Piastri highlights another dimension of Norris’s accomplishment—prevailing over a highly-rated teammate who many paddock insiders view as a potential future champion in his own right.
Pressure management in season’s closing stages
The final stretch of the championship tested Norris’s mental fortitude as much as his driving ability. With McLaren’s strategic errors compounding the pressure and Red Bull’s improved form making Verstappen increasingly dangerous, the Bristol-born driver faced scrutiny over whether he possessed the championship temperament required to close out the title fight. His ability to maintain focus through that period ultimately proved decisive.
Herbert believes this resilience will serve Norris well going forward. “With his world championship from last year, he will only come out stronger,” the former steward observed. “I hope that people will eventually give him the appreciation he deserves.” The sentiment reflects a broader concern within certain quarters of the F1 community that Norris’s achievement has been overshadowed by narratives emphasizing Verstappen’s late-season charge rather than the champion’s own accomplishment.
What this means for the new season
As the grid prepares for the new campaign, Norris enters as defending champion facing fresh challenges. Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s promotion to Mercedes have reshaped the competitive landscape, while Verstappen’s partnership with Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing introduces new dynamics at the Milton Keynes team. Herbert’s comments suggest the narrative surrounding last season’s championship may continue to influence how Norris is perceived, making his defense of the title all the more significant in establishing his legacy within the sport. The question now centers on whether the McLaren driver can demonstrate that his first championship was not merely circumstantial, but the beginning of a sustained period of dominance.
