Lando Norris Wins Title His Way

A Triumph Built on Fair Racing and Personal Integrity

Lando Norris expressed immense pride after securing his first Formula One world championship, declaring that he was delighted to have “won it my way.” Following an emotional celebration with his McLaren team and his family, Norris highlighted that he had remained true to his racing philosophy — competing cleanly, honestly, and without sacrificing his character.

Racing Fairly in a World Obsessed With Aggression

Throughout the season, critics questioned Norris’s so-called lack of “killer instinct,” often comparing him to more aggressive champions. Yet the Briton made it clear that he believed fairness and skill, not unnecessary force, had carried him to the title. Finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was enough for him to seal the championship by a two-point margin over Max Verstappen, who won the race but could not overcome Norris’s advantage. Norris reiterated that staying true to himself was a key source of pride. “I managed to win it the way I wanted,” he said, emphasizing that he refused to adopt a style that didn’t reflect who he was. While acknowledging that he could have been more aggressive at times, he stressed that doing so would not have aligned with his identity as a racer.

Final Moments Filled With Nerves

Despite appearing composed throughout the closing laps, Norris admitted that tension hit him unexpectedly near the finish. “Three corners to go, I started to shake a little bit,” he said. Taking the checkered flag and seeing his team’s reaction created a moment he described as unforgettable.

A Remarkable Comeback Fueled by Determination

Norris’s path to the championship was far from straightforward. After suffering a mechanical failure at Zandvoort, he fell 34 points behind then-leader Oscar Piastri. But instead of fading, he used the setback as motivation. He brought new specialists into his team, worked on unlocking more of his own performance, and surged back with a run of strong results that ultimately delivered him the title. “I had to step it up,” he reflected, explaining that the challenge forced him to grow both personally and professionally.

Verstappen Reflects: A Rollercoaster Season, No Regrets

Max Verstappen, who finished the season with eight victories — more than any other driver — acknowledged the strength of McLaren’s car but remained positive about his own performance. He described the season as a “proper rollercoaster,” but noted that the Red Bull team had built an atmosphere full of belief and momentum heading into next year. When asked about his clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, which cost him nine points, Verstappen responded sharply, suggesting that the focus on that single incident skewed the narrative of his season. “You live and learn,” he said, maintaining that a championship fight spans far more than a single controversial moment.

Piastri: Proud Yet Determined After Falling Short

Oscar Piastri, who led the championship for more races than Norris and claimed seven wins, was visibly disappointed but philosophical about the outcome. He stressed that the season had taught him a tremendous amount about himself — both as a driver and as a person. While the ending was not what he hoped for, Piastri said he remained proud of his achievements and believed the lessons from this year would strengthen him for future title challenges.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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