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Lando Norris has secured his first-ever Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship after finishing third in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The achievement completes a dominant season for McLaren, who had already clinched the Constructors' Championship in Singapore back in October.
Although Max Verstappen won the final race from pole position, Norris’ third-place finish ensured the Dutchman couldn't overturn his points deficit. Verstappen ended the season just two points short of Norris’ total of 423.
Norris’ triumph also brings an end to Verstappen’s four consecutive world titles. The Red Bull star had been aiming to claim a fifth straight championship, which would have matched Michael Schumacher’s record. Meanwhile, Norris’ teammate and title contender, Oscar Piastri, finished second in the race and third overall with 410 points.
At 26 years old, Norris becomes the 11th British driver to win the championship and the first since Lewis Hamilton in 2020.
As he crossed the finish line, an emotional Norris thanked his team over the radio, saying: “Thank you guys, oh my God. You’ve made my dreams come true. I love you all… I’m not crying!”
His championship victory caps a remarkable comeback. After the Dutch Grand Prix in August, where a late mechanical issue dropped him from second place, Norris found himself 34 points behind Piastri. But in the final nine races, Piastri only finished ahead of him twice.
Key wins in Mexico and Brazil pushed Norris back into the title lead and set him up for his maiden championship.
Speaking to Sky Sports afterward, a tearful Norris expressed gratitude to McLaren, his parents, and his main rivals Max and Oscar, saying the season had been a tough but fulfilling battle.
Following some celebratory donuts on the main straight, Norris was greeted by his parents, Cisca and Adam, and his girlfriend, Margarida Corceiro. He also received congratulations from fellow drivers before taking the podium, where the emotion of achieving his lifelong dream became clear.
