On Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the floodlit Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, 26-year-old Lando Norris sealed his first-ever Formula 1 world championship in spectacular fashion.
The Briton crossed the line third behind race winner Max Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, scoring the points he needed to edge Verstappen by just two points (423 to 421) in a season that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Piastri finished third in the standings with 410 points. 🏆
As he hit the finish line, the team’s radio crackled: “That’s it, mate, you are world champion, world champion!” Norris, tears in his eyes, replied: “Thank you guys, you made a kid’s dream come true.” Later on the podium, he added, “I haven’t cried in a while, I didn’t think I would cry but I did. Huge thanks to my mum and dad for supporting me since the start. I know now what Max feels like a little bit!” 😭💖
McLaren had already clinched their second straight constructors’ title in Singapore last month, and CEO Zak Brown was quick to praise his drivers: “What an effort from Lando and Oscar. This season was awesome!”
Norris becomes the first British driver to claim the drivers’ crown since Lewis Hamilton in 2020, marking McLaren’s 13th drivers’ title. The British marque’s champion history dates back to Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974 and includes legends like James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and Hamilton.
Reflecting on his journey, Norris said, “Anything can happen in F1, so I just kept pushing and fighting until the end. (Verstappen and Piastri) didn’t make it easy, but I’m proud of what we achieved this season. Nine years with McLaren and finally I got to bring this back home!” 🌟
Sunday’s finale was the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers were in contention for the title in the last race, making this dramatic showdown one for the history books.
Reference(s):
Tearful McLaren driver Norris clinches "amazing" Formula 1 world title
cgtn.com
