Emotional Lando Norris wins 2025 world championship, earns global praise

ISLAMABAD: Lando Norris captured the 2025 Formula One drivers’ world championship in emotional fashion on Sunday, finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to seal the biggest victory of his career. The 26-year-old Briton received widespread affection and respect from fans, drivers and teams across the paddock.

Norris thanked his team, family and friends for their support, speaking in the humble and down-to-earth style that has made him one of Formula One’s most loved drivers.

McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, who finished second in the race and third in the championship, and race winner Max Verstappen were among the first to congratulate him.

“Congratulations to Lando. We tried our best to get there, but it wasn’t quite to be,” Piastri said.

Surrounded by cheering fans, family members and media, Norris admitted he was still trying to process the moment. He became Britain’s 11th world champion and McLaren’s first since Lewis Hamilton won his maiden title in 2008. His victory also secured McLaren a rare double, winning both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships for the first time since 1998.

“It’s insane. I don’t know how to describe it yet. Maybe tomorrow,” Norris said, overwhelmed with emotion. It was also revealed that a street in his hometown in Somerset will be named in his honour.

His close friend and former team-mate Carlos Sainz praised Norris for staying true to himself.

“I’m very happy for him as a driver and as a human,” Sainz said. “He doesn’t follow the usual champion stereotype and I hope he stays the same.”

Norris said the achievement felt surreal. “I’ve dreamed of this for so long. There were ups and downs, but moments like this make everything worth it. I even cried and I didn’t expect that. I want to thank everyone at McLaren and my parents. Now I know what Max has felt all these years.”

His mother, Cisca, also became emotional. “It’s overwhelming and draining, but we’ve stood by him in good and bad times,” she said.

Lewis Hamilton shared kind words for the new champion: “I’m really happy for him. Winning your first title is special. I told him before the weekend not to change anything, and clearly it worked.”

Max Verstappen, who had won the previous four championships, said he felt no disappointment. “He had a great season. Winning your first is always emotional. I hope he enjoys the night with his family and team.”

Norris now stands at the top of Formula One, celebrated not only for his talent but also for his authenticity and humility — qualities that have earned him fans worldwide.