Lando Norris beats Max Verstappen to win F1 title at thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Lando Norris claimed the 2025 formula 1 World Championship following a thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, where he finished third behind winner Max Verstappen and second-placed Oscar Piastri. Despite starting second, Norris secured the title with a strategic drive, becoming the first McLaren driver to win since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
Source: Original report
Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula 1 world championship after beating Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at a tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Although Verstappen secured victory from pole position at Yas Marina, with Piastri finishing second, Norris needed only a podium finish to clinch the title, ultimately securing third place.
The 26-year-old’s triumph marks him as the 11th British driver to win the Formula 1 drivers’ title and the first for McLaren since Sir Lewis Hamilton’s inaugural success in 2008. Norris started in second place behind Verstappen but was overtaken by teammate Piastri on the opening lap. He successfully held off pressure from Charles Leclerc throughout the race while navigating a tricky moment involving Yuki Tsunoda.
Stewards Issue No Penalty for Norris
Norris faced a nervous moment when attempting to overtake Tsunoda, who aggressively defended his position and forced Norris off the track. However, the stewards ruled that Norris would not be penalised for overtaking off track, instead handing Tsunoda a five-second penalty for the incident.
In a post-race interview filled with emotion, Norris reflected on his journey: “It’s not just this year or the last seven or eight years I’ve been with McLaren, but the last 16 or 17 years of my life trying to chase this dream.” He added, “I would hate to embarrass them on a day like today. My mum and dad let me share this dream and today I got to share it with them.”
Final Standings of the 2025 Championship
Norris concluded the season with 423 points, narrowly beating Verstappen, who ended the season with 421 points. Piastri finished in third with 410 points. The final top ten standings included George Russell in fourth with 329 points and Charles Leclerc in fifth with 242 points.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concluded with Norris celebrating his victory, performing donuts on the track in his McLaren. This championship victory brings an exciting conclusion to the season, with the celebrations set to continue for Norris and the McLaren team.