“It’s Incredible and Surreal”: Lando Norris Speaks for the First Time as Formula 1 World Champion

Lando Norris is still trying to process it. Minutes after crossing the finish line in Abu Dhabi and confirming that, at just 26 years old, he is the new Formula 1 World Champion, the British driver delivered his first words — a blend of disbelief, emotion, and the relief of finally reaching the greatest dream he has chased throughout his career.

The McLaren driver, who finished third at Yas Marina — just enough to secure the title by two points over Max Verstappen — didn’t hide how overwhelming the moment felt.
“It’s incredible, it’s surreal. I’ve dreamed of this for a very, very long time.”

A Title Years in the Making

Norris knew the margin was slim. He didn’t need to win, but he needed a podium or something close to it. He executed with calm precision, while teammate Oscar Piastri finished second and Verstappen added another victory for Red Bull.

None of that diluted the magnitude of the achievement. As soon as he stepped out of the car, Norris made it clear how much this championship meant:
“There are always ups and downs in a season, but nothing else matters if you finish as champion — and I’ve done it with an incredible team. A team I’ve been with for seven years.”

With 423 points, Norris edged out Verstappen (421) and Piastri (410), becoming the 11th British driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship.

Seven Years to Build a Champion

Norris also reflected on how special it is to reach the top with the team that brought him into Formula 1. McLaren, the team where he debuted in 2019, became more than a project — it became home. The place where raw talent turned into consistency, and consistency into a title.

On the podium, interviewed by fellow world champion Jenson Button, Norris spoke straight from the heart. What many viewed as the future has officially become history.

His final words summed it up perfectly:
He dreamed about this for years. Today, he finally gets to live it.