Being considered the pre-season favourite can sometimes add yet more weight to the heavy burden a driver puts on their own shoulders – however, Lando Norris is aiming to win the F1 title in 2025 not just for himself but also to help line the pockets of those who back him to do so.
As the McLaren MCL39 broke cover at a cold and grey Silverstone on Thursday afternoon, the forecast for the upcoming season is much brighter for Norris.
The 25-year-old is predicted by many to be the man who finally overthrows Max Verstappen, with several bookmakers declaring the Brit as the most likely champion in 2025.
Far from being crushed under the weight of expectation, Norris wants to go one better than last season, when he ultimately came up short in his quest to claim a first world championship and wrestle the crown away from Verstappen.
Asked if being the favourite ramped up the pressure, Norris replied: “No, I mean I hope they make a lot of money on me!
“I feel bad if I let them down if they put money on me, so that's definitely not something that will ever sway me in terms of my pressure, that people are doing that kind of thing.
“I know because of last year, that's just how things have gone, because as well last year, those were the expectations, the expectations for the team and for myself.
“I'm definitely not feeling the pressure of all of these things, I know there's the expectation and we have more partners and sponsors and all of these things and fans, every single one of these things adds to the pressure and the nerves of it all.
“I like seeing those things, I like hearing them, I like that I have that kind of bit of pressure on my back, but at the same time I just hope I can go out and make some money.”
One bookmaker that considers Norris the hot favourite is Betfair, who has the McLaren man at +225 (9/4) to take the title this season.
“The 2024 F1 season was the most unpredictable in recent times and more of the same is expected in 2025, with drivers from three different teams topping the list of favourites for the upcoming season,” said Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom.
“Having pushed Max Verstappen close in 2024, Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title. Verstappen’s Red Bull team are predicted to drop in performance this season, with Ferrari and Red Bull joint-favourites to top the constructors' standings.
“Norris and his team-mate Oscar Piastri both won multiple races last year, but the Brit is clearly ahead of his McLaren colleague in the market. This could indicate the British team's intention to prioritise Norris as team leader once again in 2025.
“All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton as he joins Ferrari, but he is set for a tough battle against established team-mate Charles Leclerc, which the latter is favourite to edge.
“Despite a strong end to 2024, George Russell's heads into his first season as Mercedes team leader as sixth favourite for the Championship.”
