Norris delivers McLaren vow after vanquishing F1 title drought

Lando Norris has already turned his attention to winning the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship after McLaren clinched its first constructors’ crown since 1998.

The British driver’s victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ultimately sealed the title after the 26-year wait, something he hailed as the “perfect” way to end an intensely-fought campaign.

With Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc coming home second and third at the Yas Marina Circuit, the gap ended at 14 points.

The 25-year-old finished second in the drivers’ championship to Max Verstappen. Whilst he applied pressure on the Dutchman through the back half of the campaign, he never got to within striking distance, despite enjoying a car advantage for much of the year.

Insistent he has learned from the mistakes of the season, Norris has already zeroed in on claiming both titles with McLaren when F1 returns for the final year of the current regulations cycle.

“That’s my goal,” he declared when asked about the drivers’ championship upon getting out of his MCL38 after a race for the final time. “That’s our goal as a team. We want to win the constructors’, we want to win the drivers’ next year.

“I made my mistakes this year, but I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve learned a lot from Max [Verstappen] and my competitors around me. So as much as I’m happy now, I’m excited to get next year going.”

The four-time grand prix winner was sure to thank the effort of the entire McLaren team, rejoicing in the “lovely journey” the Woking squad has enjoyed together.

“It feels incredible,” he said. “It feels incredible, not for myself, but before the whole team, the team have done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning.

“I’m so proud of everyone. It’s been a lovely journey, and to end the season like this is perfect.

“So just a congrats and a big thank you to everyone in McLaren, everyone in papaya, everyone who supported us this year, because it’s been a tough one. But for us to win the constructors’ after 26 years is pretty special.”

He then confirmed he and McLaren Racing CEO would party in style to celebrate ending the team’s drought of over a quarter of a century. When the papaya outfit last won the constructors’ title, neither Norris nor team-mate Piastri had been born.

“Me and Zak already said we’re going to get absolutely hammered tonight, so I’m excited,” he exclaimed.

“We’re going to celebrate. This is a historic moment for the team. They’re going to want to celebrate, and I want to celebrate with them, so it’s going to be a good night.”