Lando Norris wins F1 drivers’ title in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen

McLaren driver Lando Norris won his first Formula 1 drivers’ championship by finishing third in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old pilot won the championship by two points from Red Bull pilot Max Verstappen, who won the race by one point more than his Briton and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, and won his eighth victory of the year.

Although Verstappen was heading for victory from the first lap, McLaren remained in control in a tension-filled race as Piastri had finished second and was in a position to assist Norris if necessary.

Norris became the 11th British F1 world champion at the end of his seventh season in F1, where he started slowly but performed strongly in the second half of the year.

And it was the first time McLaren had won the drivers’ and constructors’ title double since 1998.

“I haven’t cried in a while and I didn’t think I would, but I did,” said a jubilant Norris.

“So, it’s a great feeling, now I know how Max feels. I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, who have been my two biggest rivals all season.

“It was a great pleasure and honor to race against both of them, I learned a lot from both of them.

“I enjoyed it and it’s been a long year but we did it and I’m proud of everyone.”