Lando Norris has become Britain’s newest Formula One world champion after holding his nerve through a tense title decider in Abu Dhabi, securing his first championship and ending the country’s five-year wait for another motorsport hero.
The 26-year-old McLaren driver, who grew up in Bristol and has long spoken of idolising Lewis Hamilton, finished third in the season finale, enough to clinch the title by just two points after a fiercely fought contest with Max Verstappen and team-mate Oscar Piastri. He becomes the 11th British world champion, and the first since Hamilton sealed his seventh crown in 2020.
Norris cut an emotional figure as he crossed the line, breaking down on the team radio before being congratulated by McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“Thank you guys. You made a kid’s dream true,” he told the team through tears. “I love you mum, I love you dad. Thanks for everything.”
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