Third place in Abu Dhabi was enough for Lando Norris to win the World Championship title. Image: GIUSEPPE CACACE (AFP)ABU DHABI. Lando Norris was crowned Formula 1 World Champion for the first time at the grand showdown in Abu Dhabi. The 26-year-old Briton secured the title with a third-place finish in his McLaren at Sunday's final Grand Prix.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took the victory, but finished two points behind Norris in the overall standings and was thus dethroned after four world championship titles. Oscar Piastri finished second in the Grand Prix.
Drivers' and Constructors' titles go to McLaren
McLaren sent their two drivers out with different strategies and this time left nothing to chance. Norris thus becomes the 35th Formula 1 World Champion and the eleventh Briton. For McLaren, which also secured the Constructors' Championship last year and this year, it is their first Drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
The British racing team also celebrated its first title double in 27 years (since 1998). Verstappen, however, missed out on his fifth consecutive world championship title, a feat previously achieved only by Michael Schumacher. Second place in the constructors' championship, behind McLaren, went to Mercedes ahead of Red Bull Racing.
