Lando Norris has declared that at times this season, his driving was simply unmatched by any of his rivals as he secured his first-ever Formula One world championship. The 26-year-old British driver celebrated becoming only the 11th Briton to claim the prestigious F1 title at an exclusive afterparty held at the W Hotel atop the Yas Marina Circuit, the same track where he fulfilled his childhood dream just hours earlier.
Videos of Norris enjoying his victory have circulated widely, showing him joyfully singing Queen’s “We Are the Champions” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” with teammates and fans.
Despite starting the season 34 points behind the leader, Norris staged an impressive comeback to topple Max Verstappen, who had won four consecutive world championships prior. Verstappen secured eight race wins this year—one more than Norris—and dominated the last nine races with six victories, yet finished just two points behind the McLaren driver.
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“I hate trying to compare myself to others,” Norris said. “But at moments, I drove at a level I don’t think anyone else can match. Did I make mistakes? Yes. Could Max occasionally do better? Yes. But I don’t believe he’s unbeatable.”
Acknowledging Verstappen’s relentless performance, Norris added, “Max had an incredible second half of the season and capitalized on having both Oscar Piastri and me fighting for the championship. He drove like a four-time world champion. I’m proud I was able to challenge him.”
Norris also stressed that beating Verstappen personally means little to him. “Whether I am better or not doesn’t matter. I’ve done what I needed to win the championship. Making my people happy is what counts.”
Ahead of returning to his McLaren for a Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi, Norris addressed an earlier controversy involving Lewis Hamilton. Last year, Norris faced criticism over a comment implying Hamilton’s record seven world titles were helped by having an unbeatable Mercedes car.
Recalling an exchange in the cool-down room after last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris said to Hamilton, “You had a fast car seven years ago… you made the most of it and now it is us.” Hamilton replied, “I wasn’t complaining. I was just complimenting your car.”
Norris admitted, “I say some things I regret and wish I could take back. I honestly believe I show more respect than anyone else — to Oscar, Max, and especially Lewis. He’s a seven-time world champion and the best driver in Formula One history. I’m nowhere near that and maybe never will be.”