Lando Norris Wins First F1 World Title as McLaren Celebrates Historic Double

Emotional Lando Norris Clinches First F1 World Title as McLaren Celebrates Historic Championship Double

Lando Norris secured his first Formula One drivers’ championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third and delivering McLaren’s first title sweep since 1998. Max Verstappen won the race ahead of Oscar Piastri, but Norris’s podium finish gave him the championship by two points.

Breaking down in tears at the Yas Marina Circuit, Norris heard the confirmation over team radio: “That’s it, mate — you are world champion!” He replied, “Thank you, guys. You made a kid’s dream come true.”

On the podium, the 26-year-old thanked his parents and reflected on his nine-year journey with McLaren. “I haven’t cried in a while… it feels amazing. I know now what Max feels like a little bit,” he said.

McLaren, led by team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown, had already secured its second consecutive constructors’ championship. Brown praised the team: “What an effort from Lando and Oscar. We let them race to the end, and they delivered.”

Norris becomes Britain’s first world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 and McLaren’s 13th drivers’ champion, joining legends such as Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and Hamilton.

Season Highlights:

• Oscar Piastri finished third overall, leading the championship for much of the season.

• Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi GP, marking his fifth consecutive victory at the track and eighth of the season.

• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) finished fourth, George Russell (Mercedes) fifth, Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) sixth.

• Lewis Hamilton climbed from 16th to 8th, Nico Hülkenberg reached his 250th Grand Prix.

Norris reflected on his campaign: “Anything can happen. I just kept pushing and wanted to fight to the end. It’s been a long journey with McLaren, and I’m proud to bring something back to them this year.”