F1 Champion Norris remembers Piastri in 'home' victory speech

19:28, 11 Dec

Updated: 20:48, 11 Dec

byOlly Darcy

Lando Norris has returned to the McLaren Technology Centre for the first time since becoming World Champion, celebrating that feat with the whole team.

"I will remember it for the rest of my life. Here’s to many more.”

- Lando Norris

The 26-year-old became just the 35th person to etch his name into Formula 1 folklore and become a World Champion, doing so by pipping Max Verstappen by just two points at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a P3 finish.

A podium place was all Norris needed to become World Champion, beating out Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri to the title, with all three having the chance to win the title at the season finale.

“It’s unbelievable to be here as a Drivers’ World Champion," Norris started by saying at the factory.

Lando Norris finished the season with 423 points, with Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri right behind on 421 points and 410 points, respectively - Photo: McLaren

"It’s been my dream since all those years ago, watching on TV and wondering what it’s like to be there one day, with no idea about what it takes, and what it could mean to everyone, not just to me.

“One of the things that’s most important to me has been the people who helped get us to this point. Whether it’s my family, friends, management, trainer, but also the people who design, create and build the car, my mechanics, and my engineers.

"What puts a smile on my face is seeing the team’s reaction - that’s my biggest motivation. It means nothing without the people who helped you achieve it."

Plenty of praise for Piastri

Norris became the first McLaren drivers' champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008, and upon arrival at the MTC in Woking, the Brit was greeted with a guard of honour by the McLaren team.

Along with that, a showcar of Norris' 2025 championship-winning machine stood next to a chassis of Hamilton's 2008 McLaren.

There was also lots of praise handed out by Norris during his speech to the whole McLaren team, with the two McLaren men sealing back-to-back Constructors' Championships for the papaya-coloured team.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri celebraring McLaren's constructors' title win at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

“Racing alongside Oscar the last three seasons has pushed me a lot more. He’s played a massive part in this. He’s been my teammate, and we’ve helped each other. He’s made the journey better, with an incredible fight right to the very end.

“I would like to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single person in the team. Everyone plays a part in our story. I will remember it for the rest of my life. Here’s to many more.”

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