🔗 Share this article

Lando Norris has declared he is deeply satisfied of the approach in which he clinched his inaugural Formula One world championship, emphasizing after emotional celebrations with his team and family that he was happy to have succeeded "his way".

Norris underscored that he believes he competed cleanly and without being overly forceful, a strategy for which he has faced criticism for lacking the much-discussed "killer instinct". Norris argues that securing the title demonstrates such an mentality is unnecessary.

Norris secured the championship with a third-place finish at the season finale, edging out his rival from Red Bull by a narrow margin. Verstappen took the checkered flag but could not overcome the 12-point advantage Norris held going into the final round.

"This is an aspect that makes me most proud," he commented. "I feel like I have just been able to secure it the way I wanted to, which was without becoming someone I’m not."

Norris added, "Choosing not to be as combative as Max or as forceful as other title-winners might have been in the past, I’m content. I just won it my way – by being a fair driver, by trying to be an respectful driver."

Nerve-Wracking Finale

The champion admitted that, although he seemed calm, the closing moments were incredibly tense.

"I was composed until the very end, then I began to tremble a bit," he said. "Then I got to see the team after taking the flag is a moment that I’ll always remember."

A Remarkable Comeback

Norris's path to the title involved a stunning comeback from being 34 points behind of then-leader Oscar Piastri in the summer. A mechanical failure in the Dutch Grand Prix served as a major catalyst.

"I thought: ‘Oh, shoot. I’m quite a long way behind against a pretty freaking fast driver, and I’ve got to step it up,’" he revealed. "I had to become more myself because of external factors, working with more professionals in various fields to unlock more of my potential."

Competitors' Responses

The Red Bull Driver's View

Max Verstappen focused on the good from his team's performances, having fought back from a massive points gap. He believed they had done everything possible against a McLaren that was often the faster package.

"Yes, absolutely, I have no regrets about my season," he said. "Our pace has been strong. I’ve struggled with this car at times, but I’ve also excelled in it at times."

Yet, the Dutchman responded tersely when asked about a controversial incident at the Spanish GP where a time punishment lost him critical points.

"People overlook all the other stuff that happened," he retorted. "The title is won over 24 rounds... I have also had a lot of lucky breaks come my way."

Oscar Piastri: Lessons Learned

The visibly dejected McLaren teammate, who was in front for much of the season, admitted he would learn from the defeat.

"Naturally I would have wanted a different ending," Piastri said. "However I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself as a driver and off the track... Ultimately there’s a touch of disappointment but I think I can be very proud."