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Norris secures historic F1 championship victory
Lando Norris became the 36th driver-and 12th Briton-to claim the Formula 1 world championship after a tense season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The 26-year-old McLaren racer edged out reigning champion Max Verstappen by two points, capping a season marked by fierce competition and personal growth.
Britain's legacy in F1
The United Kingdom now leads all nations with 12 F1 champions, a list that includes legends like Lewis Hamilton (seven titles), Jim Clark, and Damon Hill. Norris joined this elite group watched by fellow British champions Jenson Button and Hill, who were present at Yas Marina Circuit to witness his triumph.
Norris's victory sparked immediate debate about his place in F1 history. While some compare him to Hamilton or Schumacher, Norris himself dismissed such rankings. "This is for you guys to decide," he told reporters. "I just try to do my best every weekend."
Season of fine margins
Norris's path to the title was defined by consistency and resilience. Despite McLaren's late-season surge, Verstappen and Red Bull remained formidable rivals. Key moments included Verstappen's pole-position lap in Japan, where he outqualified both McLaren drivers by 0.012 seconds, and Norris's costly error in Canada, where he collided with teammate Oscar Piastri.
"I've made mistakes," Norris admitted. "But I performed when it mattered most-after Zandvoort, I delivered three strong weekends to secure the championship."
Expert perspectives
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised Norris's achievement, noting the high caliber of modern F1 drivers. "Beating a four-time champion like Verstappen in a season this competitive speaks volumes," Stella said. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who raced alongside Norris at McLaren in 2018, called the victory "well-deserved" and highlighted Norris's adaptability under pressure.
"All three [Norris, Verstappen, Piastri] drove amazingly. Only one could win-this time it was Lando."
Fernando Alonso
Looking ahead
Norris downplayed comparisons to past greats but acknowledged room for improvement. "I'll learn from my mistakes," he said, referencing his Canada collision. With McLaren's car now a consistent frontrunner, Norris's future looks bright. "I'm only getting started," he added.
Hamilton, who congratulated Norris before the race, offered simple advice: "Don't change anything." Norris followed it to the letter.
Britain's F1 champions: A legacy
- Lewis Hamilton (2008, 2014-15, 2017-20): Seven titles, most wins in history (105).
- Jim Clark (1963, 1965): Pioneering Lotus driver; died in 1968 F2 crash.
- Mike Hawthorn (1958): Britain's first champion; killed in a road accident months later.
- Graham Hill (1962, 1968): Won titles with BRM and Lotus; died in a plane crash in 1975.
- Damon Hill (1996): Son of Graham; overcame Schumacher's Ferrari in a Williams-Newey masterpiece.
- James Hunt (1976): Charismatic McLaren racer; title aided by Niki Lauda's mid-season injury.
- Nigel Mansell (1992): Williams' dominant force; known for dramatic races and fan adoration.
- Jackie Stewart (1969, 1971, 1973): Three-time Tyrrell champion; safety advocate.
- John Surtees (1964): Only champion in both F1 and motorcycle racing; Ferrari's last British title winner.
