Lando Norris collected the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship trophy as he was formally crowned the 2025 world champion at the prestigious FIA Awards ceremony held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This significant moment came just five days after Norris clinched his maiden title by securing a third-place finish in the thrilling season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The ceremony took place at the culmination of the FIA’s annual general assemblies week, a fitting backdrop for recognizing the achievements of top talents in world motorsport.
“It was incredible,” Norris exclaimed, reflecting on his championship victory. “Obviously, this is a lot of people’s dreams, a lot of racing drivers’ dreams, and I got to finally live it. Live that one dream that I had when I was a little kid.” His heartfelt words resonated with many, encapsulating the emotional weight of realizing such a lifelong ambition.
Traditionally, the top-three finishers in the Drivers’ Championship are expected to attend this remarkable annual event. However, the outgoing champion, Max Verstappen, did not make the trip to Tashkent due to illness, following doctors’ advice. Despite his absence, Verstappen sent a video message to convey his congratulations to Norris and his McLaren teammates. “A big congratulations to McLaren and especially Lando,” Verstappen stated in the heartfelt message, acknowledging the fantastic season his rivals had. He added, “You guys had an unbelievable season, and it was really cool to be able to race against you guys until the end. Definitely enjoy it.”
In addition to Norris’ triumph, his teammate Oscar Piastri also shone on this momentous night, receiving his trophy for finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship. The achievements did not end there for McLaren, as the team was awarded the Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive year and the tenth time in their storied history. They secured this prestigious title at the Singapore Grand Prix in September, concluding the season with an impressive 364 points lead over the second-placed Mercedes.
This double triumph marks McLaren’s first time winning both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in a single season since 1998, a remarkable feat that highlights the resurgence of the iconic team in recent years. McLaren chief executive Zak Brown, alongside team principal Andrea Stella, proudly lifted the constructors’ trophy, celebrating what they called a “fantastic season.” Brown expressed his gratitude to the entire McLaren team, stating, “All the men and women at McLaren have done an unbelievable job, led by our two awesome drivers, of course the job Andrea has done leading.”
He reflected on the significance of having two drivers fighting for the world championship during the final race, saying, “To go into the final race with two drivers fighting for the world championship when everyone said that couldn’t be done, I’m just very proud of how McLaren went racing, and that’s exactly what we plan to do next year.” This victory not only symbolizes the hard work and dedication of the entire McLaren team but also sets a precedent for what the future may hold for them in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
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