Lando Norris becoming Formula 1 world champion in 2025 will boost the sport’s younger generation, according to F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was won by four-time world champion Max Verstappen but Norris secured the third place he needed to win the drivers’ title for the first time. The 26-year-old becomes only the second driver to win the title since Domenicali took on his role with F1 – following Verstappen – and had praise for all three of the title contenders this season.
“It’s been amazing to arrive at the end of the year with the title still undecided; it’s something that’s not taken for granted. If you look back, you see so many things that have happened this season that seem impossible,” Domenicali said. “Before summertime, Oscar Piastri was winning the title, then Lando Norris, then Max was strong.
“Congratulations to Lando. He’s a great character for Formula 1. His smile, his way of being a professional driver – he’s very important, he’s unique and he will give a big boost of energy to the championship, to the younger generation.
“But let me say that today I saw two other great drivers in Oscar and Max with a different face, a mature face. They both did incredible seasons, and that’s why the title fight came here right up to the end. So, just fantastic.”
Domenicali was also keen to congratulate McLaren team principal Andrea Stella – who he worked with at Ferrari – and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, for the turnaround over the past three seasons that has led to the team becoming title winners again.
“I’ve known Andrea and we’ve been friends for many, many years – and I know what was the pressure,” he said. “When I saw him, I said, ‘Listen, just enjoy, you deserve it, and at the end of the day, you have to be proud of what you have achieved.’ So, as always, life is giving back what you deserve.
“And also, Zak Brown was very strong in taking the team from a very bad moment; I remember three years ago when they were last on the grid. But he stayed focused, kept the direction, understood the needs of the team, brought in the key people – and as always, the team is the most important thing.
“Now we have a McLaren team that is back to the standard of many, many years ago. And you can also see how popular McLaren are with the fans; you see papaya colors much more around, and all these things were possible because of Zak’s vision. So I really thank him for that – and I congratulate him too.”
