Lando Norris Cround formula One World Champion after the Abu Dhabi Finale nails
Lando Norris has become Formula One’s first young British champion after holding his nerve in a decisive title in Abu Dhabi, defending his first championship and ending another motorsport world.
The 26-year-old driver, McLaren, who grew up in Bristol and created a long time with Lemis Hamilton, finished second in the title by two points after a fight with team-mate Oscar Piastri. He becomes the 11th British champion, and the first since Hamilton tied his seventh crown in 2020.
Norris cut an emotional figure as he crossed the line, backing down on the team radio before being congratulated by McLaren chief executive Zak Brown.
“Thank you guys. You made a child’s dream come true,” he told the group through tears. “I love you mom, I love you dad. Thank you for everything.”
Norris went into the final race with his hopes in tatters after he and Piastri had suffered a technical violation in the previous grand prix, an episode that reopened questions about the championship and was fueled by questions about whether he could hold his nerve.
Starting second behind Verstappen, Norris was passed by Piastri on the opening lap, briefly ending his title hopes. But the McLaren driver braced him, managed his pace and executed a calculated, flawless drive to bank the points he needed.
Verstappen, seeking a fifth title in a row, and PIASTI, chasing his maiden crown, headed without 90 minutes of technical disagreement – but again and again will not waste the Briton’s points advantage.
As soon as Norris stepped out of the Papaya-Orange Mclaren, helmet and Red Eyes, cheers erupted around Yas Marina. His mother, Cisca Norris, was the first to receive, followed by Piastri and members of the senior team.
“I haven’t cried in a while,” Norris admitted at Parm Fermé. “I didn’t think I was going to cry, but I did. It’s been going on for a long time.
Norris’ path to the summit was shaped by years of integration, global travel and family support. The son of business founder Adam Norris, who built a pure e-Mobility company, Hondo started going karting at six o’clock, quickly left school full-time, and quickly moved through McLaren’s F1 ranks before joining McLaren’s F1 program.
His father, speaking moments after the checkered flag, said: “It’s been a really long, hard journey. This time there’s a lot you can’t go along. He’s been going fast.”
Celebrities including Emily Ratajkowski, Gordon Ramsay and Thierry Henry watched the drama unfold from the Abu Dhabi Paddock.
Norris’ partner, model and actress Magui Corceiro, was in the McLaren garage throughout, and it was an emotional sight as he became world champion. The couple, who had been together for two years, accepted the tracks as the festivities began.
The championship marks a watershed moment for McLaren, who for the past few seasons has been placed near the back of the grid. Under the principals of ZAK Brown and Andrea Stella, the team underwent a transformation, achieving one of the most competitive failures in recent F1 history.
Norris, who has spent his entire Formula One career at McLaren, paid the team’s price.
“We had very difficult times and many times. This year, we fought in the last Lops,” he said. “Max and Oscar didn’t make it easy, but that’s what makes this feel so special.”
Now Norris joins a list that includes LainAge that includes Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Damon Hill, Jenson Button, but his arrival as a hero feels present today. A driver shaped by Digital-Era Fandom and a classic racing discipline, he remains one of Formula’s most popular figures far beyond the British Isles.
And now, officially, a world champion.
