Lando Norris Crowned 2025 Formula 1 World Champion
Lando Norris officially received the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship trophy, being named the 2025 world champion at the FIA Awards in Uzbekistan.
Five days after securing his first title with a third-place finish at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris was honored as F1’s 35th world champion during the governing body’s annual event celebrating achievements in global motorsport.
“It was an incredible moment,” Norris remarked about his championship victory. “This is a dream for many, and I finally got to experience it—the dream I had as a child.”
Acknowledgment at the FIA Awards
Attendance at the annual awards is mandatory for the top three finishers in the Drivers’ Championship, which took place in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, concluding a week of FIA general assemblies. Outgoing champion Max Verstappen, who finished just two points behind Norris in the standings, was unable to attend due to illness, sending his congratulations via a video message.
Max praised McLaren and Norris for their success: “Congratulations to McLaren and particularly Lando. You had an extraordinary season, and it was a privilege to race alongside you until the very end. Enjoy it.”
McLaren’s Dominance
Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, received his trophy for finishing third, while McLaren also claimed the Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive year and the tenth time overall. The Woking-based team sealed the title during the Singapore Grand Prix in September, finishing 364 points ahead of second-placed Mercedes.
Celebrating alongside Piastri and team principal Andrea Stella, McLaren CEO Zak Brown praised the season’s achievements: “I’m incredibly proud of how McLaren competed, and we plan to continue this momentum next year.”
Norris’s Reflective Acceptance Speech
During his acceptance speech, Norris expressed gratitude to McLaren, his teammate, and acknowledged Verstappen’s competitive spirit. “Thanks to McLaren for providing us with an incredible car and to Oscar, my remarkable teammate. And of course, to Max for the fierce competition throughout the season.” He humorously noted that after the race, he “got emotional,” then “celebrated quite a bit!”
A Lighthearted Moment with FIA President
Norris’s speech also featured a comedic moment with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after he used an expletive. The president jokingly responded with a $10,000 fine suggestion, to which Norris replied, “I can pay it off now!”
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