Lando Norris has pledged to get tough and drive with his “elbows out” against Max Verstappen as the two prepare to resume their title rivalry in the new Formula 1 season.

It did at the end of the 2024 season: McLaren took the constructors’ title after a 26-year drought. But Norris concedes he needs to be better. “It’s been a year where, actually, I’ve been pretty proud of my performance,” he said. “Proud of performing under the pressure that we’ve been under, delivering when I have.

Whereas in 2024, McLaren started the campaign with a significant deficit to rivals Red Bull, Norris heads into the upcoming season as the favourite to claim the title. His squad won the Constructors’ Championship last time around, while Verstappen’s team ended the year third fastest.