In a dramatic climax to the Formula 1 season, Britain's Lando Norris has been crowned world champion after a nail-biting finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 26-year-old McLaren driver secured the title by finishing third at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday 7 December 2025, beating race winner Max Verstappen to the crown by a mere two points.
Emotional Victory Seals a Lifelong Dream
Lando Norris broke down in tears as he realised his lifelong ambition, his voice cracking with emotion over the team radio on his in-lap. After parking his McLaren, the new champion, still wearing his fluorescent helmet, shared handshakes with Verstappen and his own teammate, Oscar Piastri, before embracing his parents, Cisca and Adam.
"Oh, God, I have not cried in a while," Norris admitted in a post-race interview with former driver David Coulthard, as fireworks lit up the night sky. "I didn't think I would cry but I did. It has been a long journey." He paid tribute to his team, his family, and his rivals, stating, "I now know what Max feels like a little bit... It has been a pleasure and an honour to race against them this season."
A Tense Race to the Finish
The championship was decided under intense pressure. Verstappen won the race from pole position, but Norris's calculated drive to third place was enough to clinch the title. The British driver's race was not without controversy, as he faced a stewards' investigation for a lap 23 incident where he passed Yuki Tsunoda with all four wheels over the painted line.
The stewards took no action against Norris, instead penalising Tsunoda for forcing the McLaren off the track. "I had no idea about that," Norris said later. "I don't care. I knew what I did was fine so I had nothing to worry about."
McLaren's First Champion Since Hamilton
This historic victory marks a monumental achievement for both driver and team. Lando Norris becomes McLaren's first world champion since Lewis Hamilton won the title for the British outfit in 2008. Reflecting on his nine-year journey with the team, Norris said, "We have been through difficult times and good times, and for me to bring something back to them, I feel like I have done my part."
He dedicated the win to his parents, saying, "This is for my mum and my dad because they let me chase this dream." Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, finished second in the race but had to settle for third in the final championship standings.
