Johnny Herbert believes Lando Norris must "stand up" to Max Verstappen on a more regular basis next season, after he fell short in his brief F1 drivers' championship fight. The McLaren driver was unable to get within striking distance of the Dutchman, despite enjoying a car performance advantage for much of last season. Although he consistently shaved points of Verstappen's considerable lead over the summer and autumn, the 25-year-old missed too many opportunities to ultimately bring the title battle down to the wire. This allowed the now-four-time drivers' champion to land the decisive blow with his stunning Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory, wrapping things up for good at the following event in Las Vegas with two rounds to spare. There were multiple flashpoints between the pair throughout the year, such as in Austria, Austin and Mexico City, but Herbert wants to see more aggression and resolve from Norris in those moments, and their aftermath, moving forward. The ex-F1 driver highlighted his compatriot's own admission that improvements are required, something Martin Brundle also agrees with . "Norris needs to stand up to Verstappen more often," Herbert told Coin Poker . “He has been very open that maybe he hasn’t brought his A-game this year. From what I am hearing, he has accepted that this is what he now has to do, to change."
Herbert predicts a close and intense fight next season. Each of the top four teams is heading into the final year of the current rules set with high expectations, after seven of the leading eight drivers took multiple victories in 2024. The three-time grand prix winner expects it to produce a "scrappy" campaign, arguing those chasing Verstappen might need to get more combative on track with the 27-year-old. "This is a really good moment where many drivers are thinking the same as Max has done," he added. "It is going to be massively interesting to see who comes out on the top next year. "It might well be scrappy next year but that’s what you want in Formula 1, some sharp elbows, allied to common sense. Max loads pressure on everyone."
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