"McLaren driver Lando Norris clinched his first Formula 1 title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Red Bull driver and defending champion Max Verstappen won the race with Norris placing third behind his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in second, which allowed Norris to finish two points ahead of Verstappen in the season-long standings. Piastri was also in contention for his first F1 title and finished third in the standings, 13 points behind Norris."
"Verstappen's astounding late-season charge came close to unseating both McLaren drivers after they had shared the lead throughout the season and then were undone by driver and team-strategy errors. But even Verstappen's season-leading eighth win and 71st of his career could not stop Norris, who kept his composure on Sunday having been under severe pressure in recent weeks. The McLaren motorhome erupted with joy and CEO Zak Brown congratulated Norris on the team radio in his usual jovial manner."
""Lando, this is Zak from McLaren. Is this the world champion hotline? You did it! You did it! Awesome," Brown said. Norris didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He did both. "Oh my God, thanks so much. I love you guys. Thanks for everything," Norris said and then broke down in tears. After crossing the line, Norris stayed in in his car for a few moments, visibly emotional. His parents were on the side of the track and he went over to hug them before celebrating with his McLaren engineers and mechanics."
Lando Norris secured his first Formula One championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ending the season two points ahead of Max Verstappen. Verstappen won the race from pole but fell short in the season standings despite an eight-race-winning surge and the 71st victory of his career. Oscar Piastri finished second in the race and third in the championship, 13 points behind Norris. Norris entered the finale leading both rivals and managed the pressure after a tense late-season fight marked by driver and team-strategy errors. Celebrations followed with emotional scenes involving his family and McLaren crew.
Read at www.npr.org
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