Lando Norris created history on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The British driver won his maiden Formula One world drivers’ title in Abu Dhabi. His victory ended Max Verstappen’s four-year dominance in the sport.
Norris did not win the final race of the season. He finished third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race was won by Verstappen. Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri finished second. Despite finishing third, Norris secured enough points to win the title by just two points.
The moment was emotional for the 26-year-old driver. On the team radio, a tearful Norris said, “Thanks so much. I love you mum, I love you dad.”
McLaren team principal Zak Brown also shared his joy after the thrilling finale. He said, “That was exciting, a little too exciting, awesome.”
Historic Title for Lando Norris and McLaren
With this win, Lando Norris became Britain’s first Formula One world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020. It also marked McLaren’s 13th drivers’ championship title. The success holds special importance for the famous British team.
Norris’ title came more than 50 years after McLaren won its first world championship. Emerson Fittipaldi had secured the team’s first drivers’ title back in 1974. After that, many legends followed. The list includes James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, and Lewis Hamilton.
McLaren had already enjoyed a strong season before the final race. Under team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown, the team sealed back-to-back constructors’ titles last month in Singapore. The drivers’ title completed a memorable year for the team.
Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was also special for another reason. It was the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers were involved in a title fight at the final race of the season. Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen all had a chance to win the crown.
In the end, Norris held his nerve. With this achievement, he has firmly entered Formula One history.
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