Lando Norris has achieved a milestone by winning his first Formula 1 Drivers' Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The young British driver ended Max Verstappen’s four-year dominance by finishing third at the Yas Marina Circuit, securing the championship by meeting the top-three finish requirement.
Despite dropping a position to Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, Norris maintained his position to claim the title. Verstappen won the race from pole position, with Norris and Piastri joining him on the podium. While trophies were awarded to all three drivers reflecting their race placements, the actual Drivers' Championship trophy was notably absent.
This delay is due to an FIA tradition where the official Drivers' Championship trophy is not handed out immediately at the race but instead presented at the annual FIA awards gala. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The trophy displayed at Abu Dhabi was a replica; the authentic trophy remains in London for engraving following the race.
READ MORE: Lando Norris ‘Often Unmatchable’ in Drive to Formula One World Title
READ MORE: Yeovil Dunelm Store Set to Reopen After Fire
After the gala, the trophy will be temporarily held by Norris until it returns to London next year to be engraved with the name of the 2026 champion. Norris will then have the opportunity to commission his own replica to keep, following the precedent set by Verstappen, who displays all four of his championship trophies in his Monaco home.
Emotionally overwhelmed by his success, Norris revealed his tears during the post-race interview, expressing gratitude to his team, family, and fierce competitors. Reflecting on the intense season-long battle with Verstappen and Piastri, he acknowledged the pressure and exhilaration involved in clinching the title.
When asked about his mindset during the race, Norris admitted that winning was always on his mind, pushing hard until the final laps. His determination, combined with consistent performance throughout the season, ultimately led to this historic achievement for McLaren and himself.