Doornbos is skeptical about Norris's ability to replicate his F1 championship success.

      "The world champion of 2025 is not the top driver of that year."

      Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos states that "everyone" acknowledges Lando Norris was not the leading driver of the 2025 season and expresses skepticism regarding the new world champion's potential to win another title. "The world champion of 2025 isn’t the best driver of 2025, and everyone knows this," Doornbos told the Dutch publication Formule 1.

      He believes that Norris' primary weakness lies in his mental strength, especially under pressure. "I understand how it works. When the media writes positively about you, it feels great. And when they write negatively, you might insist you don’t read it, but it still affects you," he remarked.

      Doornbos noted that drivers like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are significantly less influenced by outside distractions. "For Norris, it’s different, given his personality. This can quickly become a hindrance if you aim to compete for titles at this level," he elaborated.

      "Formula 1 requires split-second decisions. A single negative thought, whether conscious or subconscious, can easily cost you two or three hundredths of a second."

      He contends that Norris’ first championship was entirely due to having the best car. "He entirely owes his first title to his vehicle," he stated, noting that this success alleviates a significant pressure. "With that title, the pressure is off. His life's work is accomplished, and anything that follows will be a bonus."

      The likelihood of him securing additional titles, however, is uncertain. Doornbos compared him to Jenson Button, who won his only championship in 2009 with Brawn GP. "The distinction lies in the car," he said. "Norris’ McLaren has been the standout car all year. The similarity with Button is the narrowing gap and the associated tension."

      While acknowledging that a championship is still a championship, Doornbos concluded that questions about it will always persist. "There will always be something about Norris’ title. He could and should have made it significantly easier for himself," he said. "And will he have another opportunity like that? That is very questionable with the new technical regulations coming next year."