Lando Norris is Formula 1 world champion for the first time. This success is not only deserved in sporting terms – the Brit is different from the vast majority of his predecessors. And stays there.
He was sitting there in the usual press circle that takes place after every Formula 1 race. Only this wasn’t just any Formula 1 race, but the last of the 2025 season. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Not only that – it also brought the decision in what was at times a crazy title race.
And so Lando Norris, the new world champion in the premier class, sat all alone on the spacious couch in front of the assembled journalists to answer questions – and once again presented himself to the public as perhaps the most unusual Formula 1 world champion, not only in recent history. Third place in the emirate was ultimately enough for his first world title. In the overall ranking, he was ultimately two points ahead of the now dethroned series champion Max Verstappen, who was no longer able to crown a uniquely furious comeback that was also fueled by inadequacies at McLaren. But this title in itself is not Norris’ greatest success. His greatest success is something completely different.
Because there has never been anyone like him on the throne of the popular racing series. The McLaren driver doesn’t fit into the usual image of the typical racing driver. He has already changed it.
For some time now, the McLaren driver has been considered a driver who is actually far too nice, far too considerate, far too reserved on and off the track for the hyper-masculine world of elbow grease that Formula 1 will still be in 2025. He talks about doubts and fears. He admits weaknesses. He admits mistakes. He shows vulnerability.
Immediately after the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, he was overwhelmed and fought back tears, spoke in a shaky voice in the interview at the track and repeatedly had to pause briefly to compose himself again.
“I don’t want to win so I can say: I beat all these drivers,” said Norris, among other things, at the press conference on Sunday evening. “I want to win to make the people who mean a lot to me happy.” But that doesn’t mean that he isn’t completely self-confident and confident of victory – the 26-year-old has prevailed at McLaren for years with patience, calm and outstanding driving talent. And don’t forget his principles. He doesn’t pretend, he just doesn’t want to change, despite all the advice from outside. And has now been proven right with the greatest possible success.