Lando Norris brings McLaren its first Drivers' Championship since 2008

"Thank you guys," an emotional Norris said on team radio afterward. "I love you guys, thanks for everything. I love you mum, I love you dad. And I'm crying!"

Verstappen gave Norris a run for his money, winning the last three of their last four races, including in Abu Dhabi. Though getting off to a slow start to begin the season and costing himself points by ramming into Mercedes' George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen still had every chance to win his fifth straight title, something not done since seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher did it. 

Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, would finish the race in second place and finish third in the Drivers’ Championship standings. Piastri needed a miracle to win his first championship, which never came.

Lando Norris brings a Drivers’ Championship to McLaren for the first time in close to 20 years

Securing the Constructors’ Championship in September, McLaren has its first Drivers’ Championship since seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (currently with Ferrari) won it in 2008. 

After faltering in the Dutch Grand Prix when his engine gave out, costing him crucial points in the standings, it wouldn’t be till the Mexican (finished first) and Brazilian Grand Prix (finished first) that Norris would recapture his mojo.

Now the 35th world champion in Formula 1 history, Norris will begin his journey to prevent Verstappen from reclaiming his title and try to become a two-time world champion. With new rules and regulations coming for the 2026 season, things could get interesting for the reigning world champion.