Lando Norris Wins First F1 World Championship
Lando Norris has been crowned Formula One World Champion after finishing third at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The McLaren driver ended the year with 423 points, two ahead of Max Verstappen, who won the race but missed the title.
Norris is the 35th driver to win the championship and the first British Formula One world champion since 2020. His result also ended Verstappen’s four-season run as champion.
Podium Finish Was Enough
Norris entered the final race knowing that a podium would secure the title. Verstappen led from the front and won the race, with Oscar Piastri finishing second, but Norris held on to third place after strong tyre management and a clean drive.
He celebrated with his team immediately after the chequered flag and said the victory was the result of years of effort and teamwork.
Huge Boost For McLaren
This is McLaren’s first drivers’ world championship since 2008. The team already secured the constructors’ title earlier in the season, making it a successful double for the first time in nearly three decades.
Team officials said consistent performance, reliability and strong race strategy helped Norris remain competitive throughout the year. Fans and former champions praised his calm approach under pressure.
Norris said the title has boosted his confidence and that McLaren now aims to continue fighting at the front of the grid next season.
