Lando Norris wins F1 world title for first time after nervy Abu Dhabi GP – latest – UK Times

Lando Norris stands on top of his car and receives the adulation of the crowd.

He then heads over to his parents and the McLaren team, giving hugs and high fives.

Norris is the 2025 World Champion.

Cheers of ‘Lando, Lando, Lando’ erupts from the watching supporters.

The 26-year-old from Somerset, who needed a podium to secure the title, finished third behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to finish just two points clear of the Dutchman, whose valiant fightback came up just short at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Piastri finishes the season 13 points behind championship winner Norris.

The tears come from an emotional Lando Norris who is at first speechless.

He eventually gets out a few word: “Thank you guys.

“You’ve made a kid’s dream come true. Thank you mum, thank you dad, for everything.”

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

3. Lando Norris (McLaren)

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

Max Verstappen takes the victory in Abu Dhabi with Oscar Piastri in second place.

But, Lando Norris finished in third place which is enough for him to claim the world title.

Norris deposes Verstappen as the Formula 1 World Champion.

It’s a double for McLaren who also win the constructor’s title too.

Take a bow, Lando Norris the 2025 F1 World Champion.

It’s all looking rosey for Lando Norris. Just a couple of laps to go before his childhood dreams come true.

A third place finish will be enough for him. Ana de Armas has the chequered flag in hand.

Norris is gaining on Piastri and may be thinking about taking second place and securing his grip on the championship further.

“Is he struggling with graining?” Norris asks of Piastri’s car?

Norris has increased the gap to Leclerc and it’s now above five seconds again.

It’s been a superb race from the Brit who is closing in on his first ever world title.

This will be a third win in as many weeks for Max Verstappen but it looks as though it won’t be enough.

Oscar Piastri has given it his all as well.

Is there time for one more dramatic twist in this title battle?

Eight laps still to go. Lando Norris has handled the nerves and the stress of this race brilliantly.

He’s just about keeping Leclerc at bay though the gap between them is getting shorter.