Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 world drivers’ championship on March 28, 2025, during a gripping season finale at Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. The McLaren driver triumphed over fierce competition from teammate Oscar Piastri and defending champion Max Verstappen, culminating in a dramatic conclusion where all three contenders had a shot at the title.
Norris began the race in second position but was quickly overtaken by Piastri. Despite facing pressure from Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Norris managed to finish third, which was sufficient to clinch the championship. Verstappen won the race but fell short, finishing just two points behind Norris in the overall standings.
This victory ends Verstappen’s streak of four consecutive championships, which began with his first title in 2021. An emotional Norris expressed his gratitude via team radio, saying, “Thank you guys. I love you guys, thanks for everything. I love you Mum, I love you Dad. And I’m crying!”
A Historic Achievement for McLaren
Norris’s championship marks the first for McLaren since Lewis Hamilton won his inaugural title in 2008. Since joining the team as a junior driver in 2017, Norris has developed into a formidable competitor. His early years yielded no wins, but a significant upgrade to the McLaren car before the 2022 Miami Grand Prix enabled him to secure his first F1 victory that same weekend.
This season was marked by a series of ups and downs for Norris. After consecutive wins in Mexico and Brazil, he seemed poised for the championship. Yet, a double disqualification for technical infringement at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and a strategic error during the Qatar Grand Prix left the title race open until the final event of the season.
Norris’s journey to the championship was fraught with challenges, including a car failure that forced him to retire from the Dutch Grand Prix in August. This setback dropped him 34 points behind Piastri, who had taken the lead in the championship. Nevertheless, Norris experienced a resurgence, coupled with Piastri’s struggles, allowing him to reclaim the momentum heading into the season finale.
A Season of Intense Rivalry
Entering the Abu Dhabi race, Norris held a narrow lead over his rivals, with Verstappen 12 points behind and Piastri 16 points back. The race’s outcome was a fitting conclusion to a season characterized by intense competition. Norris’s performance this year included podium finishes in 19 of the 24 races, highlighting his consistency and skill.
Norris’s victory also places him among a select group of champions in Formula 1 history. At the age of 26 years and 23 days, he becomes the 12th youngest champion in the sport’s history and the 11th British driver to achieve this honor. He is also the eighth different McLaren driver to win the world championship.
As the 35th driver to claim the title in Formula 1’s 75-year history, Norris’s triumph signifies not only personal achievement but also a resurgence for McLaren, a team that has been a staple in the sport for decades. Moving forward, the focus will be on how Norris and McLaren can build on this success in future seasons, particularly as they look to solidify their position against formidable rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari.
