Lando Norris secures first F1 title with podium finish in Abu Dhabi
Lando Norris sealed his first Formula 1 World Championship after finishing third in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While Max Verstappen took the race victory and Oscar Piastri finished second, Norris’ podium result was enough to maintain the points advantage he carried into the final round.
Verstappen led from pole and eventually crossed the line over 12 seconds ahead of Piastri. Norris, who started from second on the grid, lost a position early in the race but remained within the top three throughout. With a narrow lead in the standings, the McLaren driver faced pressure late on, including a close fight with Charles Leclerc and a moment involving Yuki Tsunoda. Despite this, he held his ground to secure the championship by just two points.
McLaren opted for different tyre strategies for its drivers to cover Red Bull’s pace, with Norris starting on soft tyres while Piastri ran on hards. The approach ensured both cars remained in podium contention, ultimately helping the team secure first and third in the drivers’ standings.
The final points table shows Norris at 423, ahead of Verstappen on 421, with Piastri completing the top three on 410. The tight finish reflects the competitive nature of a season-long title fight between McLaren and Red Bull.
Elsewhere in the race, Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari. George Russell took fifth for Mercedes, followed by Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. Lewis Hamilton climbed from 16th to eighth in his debut season with Ferrari, while Nico Hulkenberg marked his 250th race with ninth place. Lance Stroll completed the top ten, giving Aston Martin a double points result.
Norris’ victory marks a major milestone in his career and McLaren’s resurgence, capping a year where consistency and team execution proved decisive in the championship battle.
