Lando Norris was overcome with emotion after achieving his lifelong dream of winning the Formula One World Championship. The 26-year-old made history by securing third place at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen—who won the race from pole position at the Yas Marina Circuit—to clinch the title by a narrow two-point margin.
Norris' McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, finished as runner-up but had to settle for third in the championship standings. After crossing the finish line, Norris was visibly moved, his voice cracking over the radio as tears streamed down his face. Still wearing his fluorescent crash helmet, he left the McLaren car that brought him victory, shook hands with Verstappen and Piastri, and embraced his parents, Cisca and Adam.
“Oh God, I haven’t cried in a long time,” Norris admitted during a post-race interview amid fireworks lighting up the sky. “I didn’t expect to cry, but it just happened. This journey has been long and challenging. I want to thank everyone at McLaren, my parents—they’ve supported me from day one.”
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When the interviewer, former F1 winner David Coulthard, remarked, “You look like a winner to me,” Norris humorously replied, “I look like a loser!”
Norris reflected on the fierce competition: “It feels incredible. Now I understand a bit of what Max experiences winning. Congratulations to Max and Oscar—it’s been an honour to race against them this season. The battle was tough, but we did it. I’m so proud of everyone.”
Throughout the championship, Norris demonstrated relentless determination. “It was a long race, and anything can happen in Formula One until the very end. I kept pushing right to the last two laps. Max and Oscar made it tough, but I stayed focused and fought until the finish.”
Winning the title marked the culmination of 16 to 17 years of hard work and dedication. “This dream has been with me since I was a child. Everyone dreams of this moment, and after all the ups and downs, none of it matters except coming out on top.”
The championship battle included a moment of controversy when Norris was investigated for passing Verstappen’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda with all four McLaren wheels over the track limits. However, stewards took no action against Norris, issuing a five-second penalty to Tsunoda instead for forcing Norris off the track.
“I wasn’t aware of the investigation at the time,” Norris said. “I knew what I did was fair, so I wasn’t worried. I’m just soaking in this moment because not many get to experience a year like this. I’m beyond happy for myself and everyone who has supported me.”
Norris also highlighted the significance of his victory for McLaren, the team he has been with for nine years. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but bringing this championship home means so much. I feel like I’ve done my part, and I’m proud of myself and everyone who might even shed tears with me.”