By Tanisha Mohanty
Lando Norris won his first Formula 1 title in a title-deciding race at the Yas Marina circuit on Sunday. The Brit’s third-place podium finish awarded him the championship trophy– skimming past Max Verstappen by merely two points– despite losing the race to the Dutch driver.
Norris’ win ensured a double victory for McLaren, as the team had already won the Constructors’ Championship after the Singapore Grand Prix in October. As a McLaren driver, the 26-year-old secured the crown after Lewis Hamilton’s last win for the team in 2008.
Contending against Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri for the title, Piastri overtook Norris on the opening lap to demote him to third place. He held his position as Charles Leclerc chased him throughout the 58 laps. Norris also went wheel-to-wheel with Yuki Tsunoda as he overtook all the midfielders after his pitstop.
As Leclerc switched to mediums to close the gap to Norris, the Ferrari failed to do so, costing Verstappen his fifth world championship title, who would’ve won if Norris finished anywhere lower than third. With a comfortable five-second gap to the Monagesque, Norris finally crossed the finish line to a triumphant and emotional win.
Norris finished the race with celebratory doughnuts on the track and raucous cheers from the crowd. In the post-race interview, a champagne-drenched and tear-soaked Norris said, “I didn’t think I would cry, but I did. It has been a long journey. I want to thank my guys, everyone at McLaren, my parents, my mum, my dad, they are the ones who have supported me since the beginning.”
While the Brit was the season favourite, he entered a rough patch after a technical failure at the Dutch GP after the summer break, earning Piastri a significant lead. A few tweaks and consequent wins brought Norris back into contention and eventually the coveted trophy.