McLaren's Lando Norris is the new Formula 1 Drivers' world champion, ending the four-year reign of Red Bull star Max Verstappen.
For the first time since 2021, there’s a new Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion.
Lando Norris did what he had to do at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sunday to take his first-ever title, dethroning Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Taking a 12-point lead into the final race of the 2025 season, Norris just needed a podium finish to seal the championship.
As Verstappen dominated from pole to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris needed at least P3 to keep his lead on the title.
That’s exactly what happened, even as Norris lost his starting spot of P2 to teammate Oscar Piastri early in the race.
With the final results, Norris finished with 423 points for the world championship, just two ahead from Verstappen’s 421.
Crucially, Norris’ overtake of Kimi Antonelli at the Qatar Grand Prix last week to take P4 proved to be the difference in the title race that went down the wire.
Norris is the first driver to win the world title for McLaren since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. He’s also the first non-Red Bull or Mercedes Drivers’ champion since Jenson Button in 2009.