Speaking after the Abu Dhabi GP following his title win, the new world champion said that "one of the things that makes me most proud is I feel like I've just managed to win it the way I wanted to win it, which was not by being someone I'm not, not trying to be as aggressive as Max or as forceful as all the champions might have been in the past, whatever it may be.

Norris also expressed regret over some “stupid” comments he made in the past about Verstappen and Hamilton, while acknowledging they were said in the heat of the moment.

Midway through the race, Norris made an aggressive yet decisive move on the Japanese driver down the straight, even going beyond track limits, with both drivers coming under investigation.

Ultimately, it was Tsunoda who was penalized — five seconds for weaving on the straight — clearing Norris, who could finally breathe a sigh of relief at a moment when a penalty might have jeopardized his championship hopes.

Norris crossed the finish line seven seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, securing the world title despite finishing third. Here’s why the stewards decided not to take any action against him.