Abu Dhabi – Fresh off clinching his maiden Formula 1 World Championship, Lando Norris has received a B+ grade in ESPN’s detailed 2025 Formula 1 report cards, highlighting that a title alone does not automatically translate into a perfect season. The assessment was published by ESPN motorsport writers Laurence Edmondson and Nate Saunders.
According to the ESPN analysis, Norris’ championship-winning campaign with McLaren was built on consistency, resilience and strong execution during the decisive phase of the season. While he delivered when it mattered most, the report notes that he was not always the outright fastest driver across the full calendar, which ultimately kept him from earning an “A” grade.
“Winning a world title is the ultimate achievement,” ESPN noted, “but the grading reflects overall performance, including dominance, error-free execution and sustained superiority.” (Source: ESPN)
Norris’ season featured multiple race victories and a string of podium finishes, particularly in the latter half of the championship, where his composure under pressure proved decisive. ESPN credited his ability to manage high-stakes moments and outscore close rivals in crunch races as a defining factor in securing the crown.
Elsewhere in the report cards, Max Verstappen received an A grade despite finishing runner-up, with ESPN praising his raw pace and relentless competitiveness throughout the season. George Russell also earned high marks for his consistency, while Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri was marked lower due to an uneven second half of the year.
The ESPN report underlines a broader message: in modern Formula 1, titles are won by timing, discipline and mental strength, but season-long dominance remains the benchmark for top grades.
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