Johnny Herbert Hails Lando Norris as 'Among the Best' F1 Champions

Former F1 driver and steward Johnny Herbert believes that newly-crowned world champion Lando Norris has already earned his place among the sport's all-time greats. Herbert argues that Norris's ability to genuinely challenge and unsettle Max Verstappen throughout the season is the ultimate proof of his elite caliber, suggesting the McLaren driver is still improving and has yet to reach his peak.

Why it matters:

Norris's first championship isn't just a personal milestone; it's a landmark victory that signals a potential shift in the F1 landscape. Winning a title by defeating a driver widely regarded as a generational talent in Max Verstappen adds immense weight and credibility to Norris's achievement. This validation from a respected figure like Herbert cements Norris's status not just as a race winner, but as a genuine, all-time great in the making.

The details:

• Verstappen Challenge: Herbert emphasized that Norris's greatest achievement was making Max Verstappen "think," a powerful indicator of his newfound status as a true rival. "That’s very powerful and that just shows how good Lando has become," he stated.
• Untapped Potential: Despite his success, Herbert believes Norris is a "late bloomer" who may not reach his absolute peak until his early 30s, suggesting the best is yet to come for the 26-year-old.
• Mental Fortitude: The experience of winning a hard-fought championship is expected to elevate Norris mentally, pushing him to "another level" and making him "more and more powerful" in future battles.
• Room for Growth: Herbert acknowledged Norris made mistakes during the season but framed them as part of a learning curve that the driver is already rapidly improving upon, a sentiment even shared by rival Verstappen.

Looking Ahead:

With his first title secured, the F1 world will be watching to see if Norris can build on this momentum and establish a period of McLaren dominance. Herbert's comments suggest that the rivalry between Norris and Verstappen could define the next era of Formula 1, with both drivers pushing each other to new heights. If Norris continues on this upward trajectory, he is poised to not just add more championships to his name but to solidify his place among the sport's most legendary figures.