How Lando Norris turned a dream into a reality by becoming Formula One World Champion

Tears filled the crash helmet of Formula One's newest world champion, Lando Norris, who took championship glory for the first time in his career under the night skies of Abu Dhabi, who is champion of the world for 2025.

A three-way title showdown heading into the season finale is a rarity in the world of Formula One with the 2010 season being the last time it materialised. Sebastian Vettel took the title that day, a first of four for the German driver.

The eyes of the world were watching and with a healthy 12-point lead, it could have been so easy for Norris to lose focus and to potentially throw it away. However, he remained strong and composed, knowing a finish on the podium was enough regardless of what his rivals did.

Max Verstappen was formidable out front and Oscar Piastri's pace was shining but ultimately neither generated enough of a comeback in the finale to overcome the deficit that they were behind Norris by. What should not be understated is just how good of a year both of them had and both would have been deserving champions but it is just not to be in 2025.

Speaking to former McLaren driver David Coulthrd in the post race celebrations, Norris was overcome with joy reflecting on the journey that began long ago in karting. Winning the British F4 Championship title, winning in the Ginetta series and finishing runner up in FIA Formula 2 back in 2018. All moments have contributed to crafting the latest Formula One World Champion.

Following being crowned champion, Norris said: "It feels amazing. Now I know what Max feels like. I want to congratulate Max and Oscar. My two biggest competitors the whole season and it's been a pleasure to race against both of them.

"It's been a long year and I am so proud of everyone."

Norris is right. It has been a long year. 30 races in total. 24 Grand Prix and six sprint races have painted this championship picture and on reflection, with seven victories, Norris walks away as a deserving champion.

Since he rocked up to Albert Park, home of teammate and championship rival Oscar Piastri, Norris shone on a wet and gloomy day in Melbourne. In dominant style, Norris took victory on a day where almost everyone made countless errors.

A first British world champion since Lewis Hamilton and just the 35th different world champion in the 75-year history of the FIA Formula One World Championship, In addition, Norris joins Hamilton and many illustrious names to become the 11th British Formula One World Champion.

Norris has achieved his and many driver's dream and as Norris said himself in the interview with Coulthard: "I'm in a privileged position. Not many drivers get to call themselves a world champion."

This year has been the year where Norris has come of age. He has used his experience, raw speed and talent to rise to the very top and claim the most illustrious piece of silverware in world motorsport.

Verstappen and Piastri threw everything at this world championship, which made for brilliant viewing, and they will be back to fight again - stronger than ever.

However, now that the dust has settled and the curtain falls on the conclusion of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, it is safe to say that this fantastic season belongs to McLaren's Lando Norris.

Brandon Whiteside
Writer