ROSBERG BACKS NORRIS FOR TITLE

He tips Briton to win 2025 drivers' crown as Red Bull's development rate is slowing

- Kimberly Kwek

The 2024 Formula One season has been one to remember for Lando Norris, whose win at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec 8 helped McLaren secure their first constructors' championship in 26 years.

After clinching his first title at the Miami Grand Prix in May, the Briton won another three races - including the Singapore Grand Prix - alongside nine other podium finishes, igniting his challenge for the drivers' crown in the second half of the season.

While it was Red Bull's Max Verstappen who hoisted the trophy for the fourth consecutive year, finishing 63 points ahead of nearest rival Norris, former champion Nico Rosberg believes that Norris could end the Dutchman's dominance next season.

Speaking to The Straits Times, Rosberg said: "McLaren just won the constructors' championship and therefore it would be my pick that Lando Norris also wins the drivers' championship next year because he was the strongest driver in the second half of the season.

"Verstappen has been struggling with the car a little bit, Red Bull have not managed to improve their car in the way that they usually did; the development rate's slowing down. So that's a concern for next year and that's why I think Lando Norris is the favourite."