Lando Norris has spoken candidly about his remarkable performance throughout the Formula One season that led him to clinch his first-ever world title. The 26-year-old British driver celebrated his historic achievement at a glamorous afterparty held at the W Hotel atop the Yas Marina Circuit, the very venue where he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming the F1 world champion.
Videos capturing the jubilant moment show Norris passionately singing Queen’s “We Are the Champions” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” as he toasted his success.
Despite starting the season 34 points behind the championship leader, Norris staged an impressive comeback to end Max Verstappen’s four-year streak of world titles. Verstappen secured eight victories this season—one more than Norris—and won six of the last nine races, ultimately finishing just two points shy of his rival.
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Reflecting on the competition, Norris said, “I hate ever having to try and compare myself to other people. But I certainly feel like at moments I’ve driven better than I feel like other people can. I drove at a level I don’t think other people could match.”
He acknowledged his imperfections, adding, “Did I also make mistakes? Yes. Is there stuff Max could do better at times than me? Yes. But do I believe he’s unbeatable? No.”
Norris praised Verstappen’s skillful performance in the second half of the season, noting how the Red Bull star capitalized on the intra-team rivalry between Norris and Oscar Piastri. “He drove like he is a four-time world champion. I’m very happy that I got to prove myself against him.”
Despite intense rivalry, Norris remains focused on his own journey rather than comparisons. “Whether I am better than him or not, it doesn’t matter. I just did what I needed to do to win the world championship. I made my people happy, and that’s all I really care about.”
Looking ahead, Norris is set to return to his McLaren cockpit for a Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi. He also took the opportunity to apologize to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for previous remarks that had stirred controversy. Last year, Norris suggested Hamilton’s record-breaking titles were partly due to a dominant Mercedes car.
Recalling an exchange with Hamilton after last season’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris said, “I know I say some stupid things that I regret and wish I could take back.” He emphasized the respect he holds for his peers, including Hamilton: “I give more respect than anyone else—to Oscar, to Max, and especially to Lewis. He’s the best driver there has ever been in Formula One. I’m not even close to that, and I might never be.”
Lando Norris’s combination of humility and fierce competitive spirit has marked him as a standout talent and newly crowned champion in the world of Formula One.