Lando Norris paid a tearful tribute to McLaren and his household after claiming his first drivers’ championship.
After a tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris crossed the road in third behind race winner Max Verstappen and his team-mate Oscar Piastri in second, which was sufficient to take the title.
“Oh, God. I’ve not cried shortly. I did not suppose I might cry, however I did,” he instructed David Coulthard after the race. “It is a lengthy journey. It is a lengthy journey. Initially, I need to say a giant due to my guys, everybody at McLaren… My dad and mom.Â
“I am not crying… My mum, my dad. They’re those who supported me for the reason that starting.”
He added, whereas nearly holding again tears: “It feels superb. I now know what Max appears like a little bit bit. I need to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two largest rivals the entire season. It has been a pleasure to race towards each of them. It has been an honour. I’ve realized quite a bit from each of them as nicely. I’ve loved it. It has been an extended yr. However we did it. We did it. I am so happy with everybody.”
After ranging from second on the grid, Norris slipped again into third after he was overtaken by Piastri. As Verstappen led nearly all of the race, Norris needed to fend off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in fourth to maintain the lead within the championship standings.Â
“It is a bit of each,” he stated when requested if he had the championship in his thoughts in the course of the race or if he was simply racing within the second. “You’ll be able to’t not consider it. However I knew it was an extended race.Â
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
“We have seen many instances that something in Method 1 can occur. I simply saved pushing till the final two or three laps. I may ease it off a bit. However I nonetheless wished to struggle to the top. That is what we did. That is what we had to do that season.Â
“For Max chasing us the entire method, for Oscar catching up once more on the finish. They actually did not make my life simple this yr. I am completely happy.”
He concluded earlier than heading to the rostrum to rejoice: “It has been an extended journey with McLaren. I have been with them for 9 years. We have been by loads of loopy tough instances and loads of good instances.Â
“For me to really feel like I can convey one thing again to them, it is their first drivers’ title in lots of, a few years. I really feel like I did my half for the group this yr and I am very happy with myself for that, however I am much more proud for everybody that I’ve hopefully made cry.”
The 2025 Method 1 drivers’ championship ends with Norris on 423 factors, Verstappen simply two behind with 421 factors and Piastri in third with 410 factors.
Photographs from Abu Dhabi GP – Race
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