The drivers react to Lando Norris' F1 world championship title

In Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris offered to McLaren his first Pilots title since the one won by Hamilton Seventeen years ago. A triumph that came at the end of a thrilling season, initially dominated by his teammate. Oscar piastri, then controlled by Norris until his triumph in the United Arab Emirates, despite constant pressure from a Max Verstappen Impressive to the very end. Overwhelmed with emotion, the Briton couldn't hold back his tears before being warmly celebrated by his peers.

Oscar Piastri, his McLaren teammate and third in the 2025 championship, fought until the very end to try and snatch the crown from him. I think he's a well-deserved winner. I know that every weekend when I go out on track is going to be difficult. We've pushed each other these last three years, underlines the Australian. Especially this season, the competition has been closer than ever. He's had an excellent season. We've probably all three – but obviously, Lando and I on the same team, in the same car – experienced our ups and downs at different times. He's had a good season. He fully deserves the championship. »

His closest rival and four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, had to settle for the title of runner-up in the 2025 world championship. Winning your first title is something we all dreamed of when we started in this sport.. We've been working towards this since we were little. It's our dream.. Winning your first title is very emotional. affirms the Dutchman, familiar with the sensation. I saw that a lot of his family is here, so it's important to fully enjoy this moment tonight. And also with his team. Again, this is another story that shows that even when you go through difficult years, if you continue to work hard and integrate good people into the team, you can overcome everything and become very successful again. They (McLaren) They had an incredible season together, so it's important that they enjoy it. »

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The British celebrate the triumph of their compatriot

Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion of F1He also offered his congratulations to his compatriot, in whom he had never had any doubts. I'm really happy for him. Winning his first world championship is something truly special. The UK continues to produce excellent riders, and I know how it feels to arrive at that race fighting for your first title – it's stressful. I'm simply very proud of him. Before the weekend, Hamilton had even encouraged him to " change nothing "A piece of advice that clearly paid off.

George Russell, who has known Norris on the track since childhood, also wanted to greet him. I want to congratulate him on his title. I hope we can battle it out on the track next year for the 2026 crown! I'm really happy for him. When I was younger and less mature, I might have felt a bit of envy towards a rival and fellow countryman who wins, but with age, you realize how difficult it is to maintain a certain level in this sport. underlines the pilot Classic Mercedes for sale. You never know when your opportunity will present itself. I'm sure he didn't expect his chance to come this year, especially in the second half of the season. He drove incredibly well, so I'm happy for him and I think he deserves it. »

Alexander albon, was equally admiring. I'm really happy for him. It's great to see him express his emotions on the world stage. I think he's answered a lot of criticism and taken a step forward. At the end of the year, he rose to the occasion under pressure and he deserves every moment of this success. He's had quite a bit of bad luck this season, both with McLaren and especially Lando. He's achieved this with great style and I'm sure that takes a lot of pressure off him. Clearly, becoming F1 world champion is a dream for all of us. We are all very happy for Lando. I hope the others will also have their chance one day. »

Carlos Sainz, former teammate of the Briton at McLaren, for his part pays a beautiful tribute to Lando Norris, a sensitive and authentic champion. “I was confident that this weekend, with the pace he had, he could finish in the top three if nothing went wrong, and that’s exactly what happened,” he confided after the race to DAZN, holder of the F1 broadcasting rights in Spain. I'm very happy for him. I think that as a driver, it goes without saying: we all know the talent he has, and the speed he has both over a single lap and in race pace, thanks to the years he's spent in Formula 1.

He adds : "The most important thing for me is that he's a good guy.". A good person. People criticize him a lot on social media because he's softer, more sensitive than a Max Verstappen, or what the prototype of the ideal world champion might be. I like that he stayed true to his style. He remained a good person, even with the criticism, he stayed true to himself. He proved that you can be a champion while still being a good person and an honest guy.

Kimi Antonelli, an unwitting participant in a decisive moment during the penultimate race of the season that cost Max Verstappen the title, also applauded the new champion. Congratulations to Lando. He deserves it. Well done also to Max and Oscar Piastri, who have also been brilliant this year. he nevertheless reminds us. It's been a good battle throughout the season. »

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French drivers congratulate Lando Norris

On the other side of the Channel, the drivers also praised a hard-fought battle for the title and Lando Norris's victory. Esteban Ocon applauded an incredible three-way battle before congratulating Norris: They all deserve so much this year. They fought right to the end. We had an incredible show for that final race. There can only be one champion, and congratulations to Lando. I think he fully deserves what he's achieved today. I'm really proud of him. I hope he can keep up the spirits at the party tonight. »

Pierre Gasly He also made sure to point out the level shown by the new champion's pursuers, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. It was a tough battle. I think all three deserved to be up there. There has to be a champion. There's only ever one champion. For Formula 1, it's quite incredible to have a title decided by just two points. the Norman exclaimed. This is truly exceptional for the sport and for the fans. Ultimately, it's a huge moment in his career. A big congratulations to Lando. »

Lando Norris deserved this shower of congratulations, having won his first world title by two points over Max Verstappen. More confident and consistent in the final months of the championship, he made the difference when his teammate Oscar Piastri faltered. Long known by the nickname " Lando No Wins ", the Briton has finally etched his name into F1 history, far from the cliché of the relentless champion.