In yet one more thrilling season-finale of System 1 in Abu Dhabi, McLaren driver Lando Norris secured his first F1 championship regardless of ending third to Pink 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 outcome at Yas Marina Circuit stored Norris two factors forward of Verstappen within the closing season standings.
Verstappen wanted Norris to be fourth or decrease, and, in case of a Piastri win, for Norris to complete outdoors 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 Pink 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 document in producing 11 consecutive winners from pole place.
The Belgian got here house 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 mother and father, 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’d cry, however I did,” Norris mentioned on the rostrum.
“It feels superb, I do know now what Max appears like a little bit bit. I need to congratulate each Max and Oscar, I’ve loved it, it’s been a protracted yr!
Speaking about his season, Norris added: “As we’ve seen many instances, something can occur. So I simply stored pushing. I needed to battle to the top. (Verstappen and Piastri) actually didn’t make my life straightforward this yr. However I’m completely happy!
“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 yr so I’m happy with myself.”
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, mentioned: “That was thrilling, a little bit 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 tough 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 dissatisfied. I’m happy with everybody. We by no means quit.”
