How Norris accomplished his lifelong goal by ‘achieving it on my terms’

With the rush of excitement subsiding, yet the joy of clinching his first world championship still alive, Lando Norris found himself in a contemplative state as he elaborated on the significance of securing his initial Formula 1 drivers’ title.

«I did it on my own terms,» the McLaren racer stated. «I’m glad that I could express my true self.»

«I genuinely feel like I’ve achieved victory in the manner I aspired to, which was not by transforming into someone else. I didn’t aim to be as fierce as Max [Verstappen] or as assertive as past champions – whatever that may entail. My approach has always been to strive to be a decent individual and a supportive teammate.»

The 26-year-old British racer had much to express after exiting his vehicle in Abu Dhabi, where his third-place performance in the 2025 season closer allowed him to edge past Verstappen for the championship by a mere two points. This is the reality of Formula 1, where drivers are required to fulfill their media obligations prior to indulging in the celebrations of their achievements.

Among the numerous remarks that flowed from Norris, these stood out as some of the most appropriate reflections following a season that has, in numerous aspects, mirrored his ascent to prominence.

The journey was far from smooth. Challenges arose along the way. Some even argue that Red Bull’s Verstappen would have been a more deserving champion, considering the magnitude of his comeback during the season’s latter stages.

As Verstappen orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks from early September, Norris navigated through an initial rough season beginning, while riding a concurrent wave of momentum to fulfill his lifelong dream in a race that, although tense, felt as though he maintained control.

After celebrating on the podium, where he was showered with champagne by race victor Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, as the three championship contenders crossed the finish line in the order they began, one could sense Norris grappling with his achievement in real time as he reflected on his journey.

He made some profoundly heartfelt remarks regarding how much it meant to him to bring joy to those he cherishes, particularly his parents and his colleagues at McLaren.

«I’m filled with pride, but not because I will wake up tomorrow saying, ‘I bested everyone,'» he remarked. «I don’t take pride in merely stating that I’m a world champion. I’m proud because I believe I’ve brought happiness to numerous others.»

While speaking, he began to share more about his identity, his sincerity, his resolve to remain authentic, and his intention to be transparent about his emotions, including the challenging ones, a quality for which he has occasionally faced criticism.

«Could I have acted more like the person others might expect me to be at times? Yes, I could have,» he acknowledged.

«In certain ways, I might have felt less pride in that. That’s why I’m content with who I am. I maintained my composure, stayed true to myself, focused on my growth, and maximized my potential.»

Norris commenced the season as the frontrunner, following McLaren’s commendable finish in 2024, but after clinching victory in the opening race, he encountered a rough phase, allowing Piastri to secure a solid lead.

Norris struggled to connect with the car, facing challenges in sensing the front axle while attempting to push it to the limit during qualifying. This led to errors – including a significant crash in Saudi Arabia – and being at the back in modern F1 often results in finishing there.

However, he and McLaren persevered. The team devised a modification to the front suspension aimed at enhancing feel. It was a minor adjustment, yet it created a subtle difference.

From that point, he gradually progressed, started gaining momentum, but it was predominantly about the effort he was investing behind the scenes.

He recognized his need for improvement and dedicated himself to adapting to the car, not letting the differences unsettle him.

It was a mental shift as much as a change in driving style, and gradually it began to yield results.

«It really began after I encountered that difficult stretch in races two, three, four, five, six,» he reflected. «Or definitely when it hit me, ‘Okay, my approach isn’t yielding results. I need to comprehend things differently. I must engage with more individuals. I have to analyze my thoughts, understand my reasoning. Why do I feel tense during qualifying? What choices am I making?’ Whatever it was.

«The poor results and lack of performance – not in terms of speed, since I believe that has always been there – but rather the failure to piece everything together when I had the capacity, prompted me to realize: «Alright, I must delve deeper than just trying again the following weekend. I need to gain a deeper understanding.

«This opened up more awareness about myself and deeper championship-level understanding. That’s the standard I must meet. And indeed, the struggles transformed into my strength. Therefore, I would assert that without those initial struggles and then addressing weaknesses later, would I have caught those lessons as swiftly? Probably not.»

He trailed Piastri by 34 points following the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August, amidst just nine races left in the season. That moment marked the beginning of his remarkable journey toward the championship.

However, while onlookers presumed that this scenario granted Norris freedom to take risks and enjoy racing, he asserted that it was quite the contrary.

«No, it didn’t provide me with relaxation,» he stated. «Being 34 points behind someone who possesses the same car, performs exceptionally well, and is incredibly talented, didn’t foster confidence or the impression that I had nothing to lose.

«Instead, I had to elevate my game, both in terms of my off-track efforts and the individuals I collaborated with. I needed to incorporate more into my support network, intensify my training on the simulator, adapt my strategies, and dig deeper to unlock more potential within myself.»

«I am striving to grasp concepts more swiftly and comprehensively than ever before.»

Team principal Andrea Stella remarked: «The caliber of Formula 1 drivers today is exceptionally high, and to remain competitive at this level, continuous evolution is imperative.

«Reflecting on Lando, there certainly were lessons learned from previous endeavors, even if they didn’t culminate in the final race. I think Lando elevated his confidence and sense of competitive spirit, realizing, ‘I can go head-to-head with Max.’

«This season represented another crucial turning point, specifically in how Lando responded to the challenges we faced at the season’s outset. It marked the initiation of a structured, holistic process that encompassed personal and professional growth, as well as driving skills and racecraft.

«It fills me with particular joy that Lando was able to benefit from this, as this is an experience I’ve rarely witnessed, especially concerning the effort invested, the number of people involved, and the pace of development.»

For Stella’s superior, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, this represented both a personal and professional milestone. Brown initiated his support for Norris at the age of 14 (as part of his profile), guiding him through the junior ranks and ultimately bringing him to McLaren.

«I recall when he was that small. The management team surrounding him has done an outstanding job nurturing him into the wise world champion he is today. It’s a phenomenal achievement. The reward is tremendous.»

For his family, there have been numerous sacrifices, as his Belgian mother Cisca shared with BBC Radio 5 Live following the race.

«It’s a lot to process, emotionally exhausting, but we supported Lando through all the highs and lows. We were always by his side, and not solely for Lando, but for all the kids. It’s a fantasy realized for Lando.

«We did not impose on the children; they charted their own paths, and we supported them. It has indeed required sacrifices, as the boys and girls have nearly grown up in parallel. They opted for their journeys, and we backed that.

«It takes its toll because I missed Lando’s childhood. He began racing when he was eight. It took him to many places, but Adam (Lando Norris’ father) was always there for him, while I felt his absence deeply. I still do. I don’t see him often.

«He can pursue whatever he desires, as he is now an adult, and over the past six months, he has grown stronger in his mindset.»

As he concluded his insights post-race, Norris continued to contemplate the challenges faced, and how they ultimately facilitated his remarkable success.

«When I reflect on the initial half of the season,» he acknowledged, «it wasn’t particularly impressive.

«There were certainly moments when I made mistakes, poor judgments, and missteps.

«However, the manner in which I was able to pivot from all of that, and achieve the remarkable second half of the season, is what fills me with pride, that I proved myself wrong. That brings me great joy.»