The British driver secures his first Formula 1 championship with a narrow victory over Max Verstappen, marking a historic moment for McLaren and British motorsport.

Lando Norris made history on Sunday by clinching his first Formula 1 world championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming the 11th British driver to achieve the feat. The 26-year-old secured the title by just two points over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who claimed victory in the season-ending race. Norris’ triumph was a testament to his resilience and the strategic prowess of his McLaren team, which achieved its first drivers’ and constructors’ title double since 1998.

The race was a rollercoaster of tension and strategy, with Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri playing a pivotal role in the championship battle. Despite Verstappen’s dominant performance, including his eighth win of the season, Norris’ consistent drive and the support from Piastri ensured his place at the top of the standings. Norris’ victory was not just a personal milestone but also a significant achievement for McLaren, which had faced challenges earlier in the season but ultimately emerged victorious.

Reflecting on his historic win, Norris expressed his joy and gratitude, acknowledging the fierce competition from Verstappen and Piastri. “I’ve not cried in a while and I didn’t think I would cry but I did,” Norris said, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment. His journey to the title, marked by a strong second-half performance, has solidified his legacy in the sport and set the stage for a new era of success for McLaren.

Going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris led the Drivers’ Championship with 408 points, 12 points ahead of Verstappen and 16 ahead of Piastri. The race was the first World Drivers’ Championship–deciding final round since 2021, and the first with more than two contenders since 2010. Norris needed only a podium finish to secure the title, which he achieved by finishing third.

The race was also notable for the strategic maneuvering and the intense rivalry between Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri. Norris faced a tense moment when he was involved in a battle with Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, who was instructed to hold up Norris to aid Verstappen’s chances. The incident was investigated by the stewards, but Norris was not penalized.

Norris’ victory marks a significant milestone for McLaren, as it is the team’s first drivers’ and constructors’ title double since 1998. It also makes Norris the first new Briton to win the world title since Jenson Button in 2009. The achievement is a testament to Norris’ skill, the strategic acumen of his team, and the resilience of McLaren throughout the season.

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the final race of the season and the 24th and last race of the 2025 Formula One World Championship. It was also the first World Drivers’ Championship–deciding final round since 2021, and the first with more than two contenders since 2010. The race was held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Norris’ victory was not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for British motorsport, as he becomes the 11th British driver to win the world title. It is also McLaren’s first drivers’ and constructors’ title double since 1998. Norris’ achievement is a testament to his skill, the strategic acumen of his team, and the resilience of McLaren throughout the season.