Lando Norris was overwhelmed with emotion as he clinched his first F1 world championship title. The British driver secured third place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by just two points.
Norris, now the 35th world champion in F1 history, expressed his gratitude and joy over winning the prestigious title after a period of uncertainty. “Thank you guys… oh my god,” Norris exclaimed on the McLaren team radio upon finishing the race. “You made my dreams come true, thank you so much. I love you guys, for everything. You deserve it.”
Acknowledging the team’s effort, McLaren boss Zak Brown celebrated the victory, saying, “We did it, it wasn’t easy. Lando and Oscar, what a group of great drivers!”
Leading up to the Abu Dhabi race, Norris held a 12-point lead over Verstappen, who had won the previous three races. Despite facing a stewards’ investigation during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris escaped penalties and maintained his position to secure the championship.
Verstappen, who won the race with a comfortable lead over runner-up Oscar Piastri, fell short in his bid for a fifth championship title. Norris’ third-place finish, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, sealed his remarkable season and historic F1 championship win.