Norris Finally Becomes World Champion In Abu Dhabi Thriller

Lando Norris sealed his long-awaited first Formula 1 world championship in Abu Dhabi, finishing third in a tension-soaked finale that delivered McLaren their first drivers’ crown since 1998 — and a rare title double to boot.

 

Norris, 26, entered the final race locked in a razor-tight points scrap with Max Verstappen. And although Verstappen did exactly what he needed on paper — storming to a dominant race victory — it wasn’t enough. Norris’ cool, calculated run to third secured him the championship by just two points, capping the strongest season of his career and finally breaking the Dutchman’s iron grip on the sport.

 

The race was a masterclass in McLaren control. Oscar Piastri slotted into second and stayed there, perfectly placed to protect his team-mate if the title fight turned ugly. At one stage, Yuki Tsunoda attempted to disrupt Norris’ race to help Verstappen’s fading title hopes, triggering brief fears of a penalty. But the Briton kept his nerve, avoided trouble, and delivered the finish he needed.

 

When the chequered flag fell, Norris broke down in tears on the radio, admitting he “didn’t think” he’d cry but couldn’t hold back after realising a childhood dream. He praised both Verstappen and Piastri as “the two biggest competitors” of his season and thanked McLaren for giving him the tools to go “toe-to-toe with the best driver of his generation”.

 

 

Norris becomes the 11th British Formula 1 world champion, completing his rise from slow starter in the early season to unstoppable force in the second half of the year. Verstappen’s race win — his eighth of the season — did little to soften the blow of losing a title he had fought brutally to retain.

 

Key Takeaways

• Norris breaks Verstappen’s reign, taking the title by just two points after a nerve-shredding finale.

• McLaren dominate the decider, with Piastri acting as the perfect wingman in a controlled 1–2.

• Emotional British triumph, delivering McLaren’s first championship double since the late-90s glory days.

 

SOURCE: BBC Sport

 

 

 

 

McLaren has had the fastest car all season. So rightfully one of them won. I do feel McLaren has disadvantaged Piastri on quite a few occasions though.