Norris over the moon after clinching title: 'I now know what Max feels like!'

15:48, 07 Dec

Updated: 15:50, 07 Dec

byTobia Elia

Lando Norris was over the moon after securing the first world title of his career at the end of a high-tension Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"It feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like a little bit! I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season"

- Lando Norris

Reacting immediately after clinching the title at the end of the race, Norris said: "I've not cried in a while! I didn't think I would cry but I did! It's a long journey. First of all, I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren, my parents - my mum, my dad - they are the ones who have supported me since the beginning.

"It feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like a little bit! I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It's been a pleasure to race against both of them. It's been an honour, I've learned a lot from both. I've enjoyed it. It's been a long year. We did it and I'm so proud for everyone."

Photo: Race Pictures.

He finally added: "It's been a long journey with me and McLaren. I've been with them for nine years. We have been through plenty of crazy difficult times and crazy good times. For me to give something back to them, I feel like I did my part with the team this year. I'm very proud of myself for that but even more proud for everyone I hopefully made cry."

Norris cries out of joy over radio after clinching F1 title in Abu Dhabi

As soon as he crossed the finish line, Norris broke down in tears of joy over the radio, realizing he had truly won the title.

The radio message was also accompanied by congratulations from his race engineer William Joseph and McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

Here’s the full radio transcript.

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