In one more thrilling season-finale of Method 1 in Abu Dhabi, McLaren driver Lando Norris secured his first F1 championship regardless of ending third to Crimson Bull’s defending champion Max Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
Norris had come to Abu Dhabi 12 factors forward of Verstappen and 16 forward of Piastri. The consequence at Yas Marina Circuit saved Norris two factors forward of Verstappen within the ultimate season standings.
Verstappen wanted Norris to be fourth or decrease, and, in case of a Piastri win, for Norris to complete exterior the highest 5. However in the long run, the 26-year-old British driver denied Verstappen a fifth straight title.
Verstappen had began from pole place for Crimson Bull, with Norris on the entrance row beside him and Piastri third on the grid. Verstappen’s fifth win in Abu Dhabi prolonged the Yas Marina Circuit’s report in producing 11 consecutive winners from pole place.
The Belgian got here residence 12.594 seconds away from Piastri with Norris third, 3.9sec additional adrift.
The Abu Dhabi title was Verstappen’s eighth win of the 24-race season and 71st of his profession.
An emotional Norris crossed the road, after which stayed in his automotive for a couple of moments. He then went and hugged his dad and mom, who had been on the facet of the observe, and his McLaren engineers and mechanics.
The end for Norris and Piastri additionally accomplished the primary title double for McLaren since 1998.
“I haven’t cried shortly, I didn’t suppose I might cry, however I did,” Norris mentioned on the rostrum.
“It feels superb, I do know now what Max looks like a bit of bit. I need to congratulate each Max and Oscar, I’ve loved it, it’s been a protracted 12 months!
Speaking about his season, Norris added: “As we’ve seen many instances, something can occur. So I simply saved pushing. I needed to battle to the top. (Verstappen and Piastri) definitely didn’t make my life straightforward this 12 months. However I’m pleased!
“It has been a protracted journey with McLaren, I’ve been with them for 9 years. For me to deliver one thing again to them, I really feel like I did my half for the crew this 12 months so I’m happy with myself.”
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, mentioned: “That was thrilling, a bit of too thrilling, superior. What an effort, Lando and Oscar, what a unbelievable season!
“I’m so happy with our drivers, we allow them to race to the top. It’s been a dream with these two guys, as that Max man is difficult to beat. So, what an accomplishment.”
Regardless of the loss, which got here after an astonishing cost in the direction of finish of the season, Verstappen mentioned: “I’m undoubtedly not disenchanted. I’m happy with everybody. We by no means quit.”