Lando Norris became Formula 1 world champion in 2025 for the first time in his career. Itinerary of a Briton who knew how to wait his turn.
Lando Norris didn’t give up. Even under pressure from his teammate Oscar Piastri and his main opponent, Max Verstappen, the 26-year-old Briton became Formula 1 world champion on December 7 with his third place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With 423 points, the McLaren driver broke his points record, far ahead of last season’s 374. Although he became the eleventh Briton to be crowned in the premier category, the Bristol native had to wait a long time before achieving it for the first time in his career: seven seasons and 152 Grands Prix. Only Jenson Button (169), Nigel Mansell (176) and Nico Rosberg (206) had to wait longer than Lando Norris. But for the latter, the essential is elsewhere.
Since his debut in 2019 with McLaren, Lando Norris has continued to rise in importance. He finished his first season in the premier category in 11th place in the championship with 49 points and good performances in Bahrain and Austria in particular. And then the years passed. Despite an English team struggling compared to the competition, the British driver raised the level, achieving his first podium in July 2020, then more regular performances during the following three seasons. Before the Grail, in May 2024, on the occasion of his 110th start in F1, with this victory in Miami after already fifteen podiums.
Norris, a mind now forged
In 2024 then in 2025, Lando Norris lined up the victories or, failing that, the podiums to make him a real candidate for the title. Within a team now at its “prime”, the Briton perfectly applies his credo: ride fast and well. This year, the future No. 1 on the grid won 7 races (Australia, Monaco, Austria, Great Britain, Hungary, Mexico and Brazil), and 18 podiums in total. Above all, the McLaren driver has tamed what may have failed him in previous years: his mentality.
In 2025, Norris could have lost everything for a thousand and one reasons but he managed not to break under the pressure. The Briton readily acknowledges mental feverishness. But, helped by his trainer Jon Malvern, Lando Norris tackled the problem so that it was no longer one. Brilliantly. “I won this title in my own way, and I hope I don’t change,” the world champion told the press after lifting his trophy.
