F1 Today | Norris wins drivers’ title, Verstappen lauds emotional Lambiase

Norris claimed the 2025 Drivers’ title after finishing on the podium at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The McLaren driver, with 423 points, finished just two points ahead of Max Verstappen, who was his closest challenger throughout the campaign.

The British driver also bested teammate Oscar Piastri, who had led much of the drivers’ standings for a large part of the season.

The victory was Norris’ first title success and McLaren’s first since their 2008 triumph with Lewis Hamilton.

Norris also became the 35th world champion in the history of Formula 1, and only the fourth driver to claim his maiden title at the Yas Marina Circuit, after Verstappen (2021), Nico Rosberg (2016), and Sebastian Vettel (2010).

Verstappen was also full of praise for race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase in the aftermath of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion, during the post-race press conference, lauded the Italian before highlighting how the dynamics of their relationship have transformed from a driver-engineer partnership to an actual friendship.

Verstappen also emphasised the commitment and resilience of Lambiase, who was visibly emotional after the chequered flag at the Yas Marina race, reflecting on the challenging campaign the Austrian outfit experienced.

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