Norris, world champion: "It had been a long time since I'd cried."

Eight years ago, McLaren was counting on a young Briton to join its junior program. Two years later, Lando Norris made his entrance Formula 1In 2024, he won his first Grand Prix in Miami. And in 2025, before the loving eyes of his family and friends, he was crowned Formula 1 world champion, finishing just two points behind. Max Verstappen, its runner-up, giving McLaren its first Drivers' title since 2008, which was won by Lewis Hamilton.

Starting second in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and finishing third: that was enough to clinch his first title. Max Verstappen, for his part, tried everything to prevent this victory, and the Briton also withstood the pressure of a Charles Leclerc Determined to finish the season with a podium finish, the 26-year-old driver spoke with emotion about his journey, his gratitude, and the effort required to join the ranks of the greats and become the 35th F1 world champion.

Seven years in F1, twelve victories, one F1 world championship title

« Oh my god! It's been a long time since I cried, I thought I wouldn't, but I did cry, yes. It's been a long road to get here. First of all, I want to thank my whole team, everyone at McLaren, my parents… My mom and dad have been supporting me since I was a little boy. "Thanks Lando Norris."

For the first time in 15 years, three drivers were still in contention for the title heading into the final. Unlike in 2010, it wasn't the third contender, but the championship leader who dominated. It's truly incredible, I don't know how Max feels, well, I have a little bit of an idea. I want to congratulate him and Oscar. They were my two biggest rivals this season and it was a pleasure to compete against them. emphasizes the new number 1. I really enjoyed it, it was a long year but we did it! I'm so proud of everyone. »

At the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, nothing was certain. With Charles Leclerc right behind him at the beginning of the race, Norris feared for his podium finish and his title. He was at one point threatened with a penalty for leaving the track during his overtaking maneuver. Yuki tsunoda on lap 24, but the FIA ​​stewards ultimately ruled in his favor. Comfortably in third position, Norris was then able to savor his victory.

« You can't help but think about the title, but I knew it was a long race, and right up to the end, we saw a lot of incredible things happen in F1. I kept pushing until the last two or three laps where I was able to ease off a bit, but I wanted to fight to the very end. We've had to fight all season, against Max's comeback, and Oscar's too. They haven't made my life easy this year, but I'm just happy! »

« No, I didn't know I was under investigation, but I knew what I had done was legal, so I didn't have to worry about anything. Norris asserts. I just wanted to enjoy the moment; there aren't many people in the world, even in Formula 1, who have had the chance to experience what I've experienced this year. I'm happy for everyone, even more than for myself! But I'm truly overjoyed. »

« It's been a long journey; I've been with McLaren for nine years. We've experienced some very difficult times, but also many good ones. To be able to give something back, a first drivers' world title in a long time, I feel I've played my part for the team this year, and I'm very proud of that. »

After an intense season, marked by fierce duels with Max Verstappen and Oscar piastriThe Briton managed to keep his cool during this Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, without putting almost a wheel out of bounds, in order to write his name in the list of the greatest and join the ranks of F1 world champions.

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