Ex-Driver points reason why Norris may never reach the heights of Verstappen

22:30, 02 Jan

bySamson Ero

Ralf Schumacher has highlighted a key reason why Lando Norris may never reach the heights of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and other Formula 1 greats.

“It takes too much energy. There are drivers for whom that doesn’t come naturally.”

- Ralf Schumacher

The former Williams Racing driver expressed how pleased he was with the triumph of the McLaren driver, emphasising that perfection isn’t always required to claim the ultimate prize.

“I'm particularly pleased that someone who owns up to his weaknesses has become world champion. That took a lot out of him. We've often discussed this in the media, especially his qualifying mistakes. But he shows that you don't have to be perfect to become a world champion,” Schumacher said via F1 Insider.

However, the 50-year-old expressed doubts about Norris reaching the same level as Max Verstappen and several of F1’s elite.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

“Will he ever be able to match the success of Max, Michael, or Lewis? I don't think so. It takes too much energy. There are drivers for whom that doesn’t come naturally – like Nico Rosberg. He quit immediately afterwards,” he added.

“He himself said that he was trembling before the last race. Quite honestly: nervous, but I never trembled. That shows how much energy it takes,” Schumacher concluded.

Norris secured the 2025 drivers’ championship in the final race of the season, finishing two points ahead of Verstappen. Despite recording fewer race victories, a podium in the final race of the campaign was enough for him to claim the title.

Norris snubbed by King Charles in broken F1 tradition

Earlier, Norris appeared to have been snubbed by King Charles after he was omitted from the Royal New Year’s Honours list.

It is customary that after a British driver wins their first Formula One championship, they are awarded an MBE or an OBE, as seen more recently with Damon Hill in 1996, Lewis Hamilton in 2008, and Jenson Button in 2009, with Hamilton later being knighted in 2020 for his services to diversity and motorsport.

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