In a dramatic season finale, McLaren's Lando Norris has been crowned the Formula 1 World Champion for the first time in his career. The historic moment unfolded at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, December 7, 2025, where the 26-year-old British driver secured enough points to claim the title, ending Max Verstappen's dominant reign.
A New British Champion Emerges
By finishing third in the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, Lando Norris did just enough to clinch the championship. This monumental achievement makes him the first British driver to win the Formula 1 title since Lewis Hamilton in 2020. The victory marks a stunning turnaround for both Norris and the McLaren team, capping off a fiercely competitive season.
Race Win for Verstappen, Title for Norris
While the championship glory went to Norris, the race itself was won by Red Bull's defending champion, Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver put on a commanding performance to take the chequered flag. The final podium saw Norris's McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, secure an impressive second place, with Norris completing the top three.
This strategic result was crucial. The points earned from his third-place finish allowed Norris to finish the season just two points ahead of Verstappen in the final drivers' standings. In doing so, he dramatically denied Verstappen what would have been a fifth consecutive world championship.
Significance of the Triumph
Norris's maiden title is a landmark moment for modern Formula 1. It breaks the recent stranglehold of a single driver and team, ushering in a new era of competition. For McLaren, it represents a return to the pinnacle of the sport after years of rebuilding. The emotional scenes in the paddock, captured by photographers like the AP's Darko Bandic, showed a driver realising a lifelong dream.
The 2025 season will be remembered for this thrilling, down-to-the-wire conclusion in Abu Dhabi. It sets the stage for an intense rivalry in the coming year, as Verstappen will undoubtedly seek to reclaim his crown, while Norris aims to defend his hard-earned title.
