Lando Norris' Remarkable Transformation: From 'Bottler' to Championship Leader

In the 2025 F1 season, Lando Norris has emerged as the championship leader, a remarkable turnaround from his previous struggles. Just last year, the young British driver was often criticized by fans for his inability to hold onto leads and his perceived lack of 'championship material'. However, over the past 18 months, Norris has undergone a remarkable transformation, consistently working on his weaknesses and becoming a vastly improved driver.

One of Norris' biggest improvements has been in his race starts. Last season, he was often mocked for his poor ability to maintain the lead after starting on pole, relinquishing the lead on the first lap multiple times. This year, however, he has only lost the lead once after securing pole position, a testament to his progress. Norris has also made strides in his wheel-to-wheel racing, an area that was previously a concern, as evidenced by his composed defense against fierce challenges from rivals like Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli.

While Norris may not be the outright fastest driver on the grid with Max Verstappen around, his consistent self-improvement has made him a formidable championship contender. With three races remaining, Norris is the runaway favorite to clinch the title, a remarkable achievement for a driver who was once labeled a 'bottler' by his own fans.