Norris makes wild 2025 F1 'winners' prediction

Lando Norris has claimed that some drivers racing for midfield teams will win races during the 2025 F1 season. 

The McLaren driver's claim is based on some midfield teams competing with the top four outfits in the latter stages of last season. 

Alpine in particular secured a shock double-podium in the São Paulo Grand Prix after Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly mastered the wet conditions. 

However, even in dry weather, the likes of Alpine, Haas and RB competed with McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes. 

The upcoming campaign is expected to be one of the most competitive in F1 history, something Norris agrees with.

"I think it's everyone's expectation from within Formula 1," Norris told select media including RacingNews365 at the F1 75 launch event. 

"Every year the rules don't change, every time the regulations don't change, it gets closer and closer. That's just the way it's always worked. 

"So it already got pretty close at the end of last year, and I think you already started to see the middle pack, which is most of the grid apart from the top four teams, so the six other teams, you already started to see them catching up and getting closer and closer."

Shock coming for top four teams

With the grid bunching up, Norris is expecting some surprise winners across the 24-race calendar, something he deems as being good for the pinnacle of motorsport. 

Unfortunately, the close field is not set to last long, based on the new power unit regulations being introduced next year. 

For now, Norris is excited for the season ahead and is looking forward to it not just being the big teams fighting for the podium places.

"I only expect that to be even more the case over the winter and probably into this season," added Norris.

"So I think you're probably going to have this season some winners that aren't top four teams, that aren't McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes or Red Bull, which I think is good for Formula 1 and is good for the fans. It's good for the whole sport. 

"It's a shame that it all changes in 2026 because I'm expecting it to be a good season and tough for all of us. So yeah, I'm looking forward to it, because I think it's not going to be just the fight of the usual guys. 

"It's going to be a bit different this year, and maybe not at the very beginning, but certainly through the season, it will be shake up a little bit more. It'll be good for you guys, for me and everyone watching."