Lando Norris changing into Method 1 world champion in 2025 will enhance the game’s youthful era, in response to F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was gained by four-time world champion Max Verstappen however Norris secured the third place he wanted to win the drivers’ title for the primary time. The 26-year-old turns into solely the second driver to win the title since Domenicali took on his position with F1 – following Verstappen – and had reward for all three of the title contenders this season.
“It has been superb to reach on the finish of the 12 months with the title nonetheless undecided; it is one thing that’s not taken as a right. In case you look again, you see so many issues which have occurred this season that appear unattainable,” Domenicali mentioned. “Earlier than summertime, Oscar Piastri was profitable the title, then Lando Norris, then Max was robust.
“Congratulations to Lando. He is an incredible character for Method 1. His smile, his means of being an expert driver – he’s essential, he is distinctive and he’ll give a giant enhance of vitality to the championship, to the youthful era.
“However let me say that at this time I noticed two different nice drivers in Oscar and Max with a special face, a mature face. They each did unbelievable seasons, and that is why the title battle got here right here proper as much as the tip. So, simply implausible.”
Domenicali was additionally eager to congratulate McLaren staff principal Andrea Stella – who he labored with at Ferrari – and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, for the turnaround over the previous three seasons that has led to the staff changing into title winners once more.
“I’ve recognized Andrea and we’ve been pals for a lot of, a few years – and I do know what was the strain,” he mentioned. “After I noticed him, I mentioned, ‘Hear, simply get pleasure from, you deserve it, and on the finish of the day, you need to be happy with what you have got achieved.’ So, as at all times, life is giving again what you deserve.
“And likewise, Zak Brown was very robust in taking the staff from a really unhealthy second; I bear in mind three years in the past once they had been final on the grid. However he stayed targeted, stored the route, understood the wants of the staff, introduced in the important thing individuals – and as at all times, the staff is an important factor.
“Now we’ve got a McLaren staff that’s again to the usual of many, a few years in the past. And it’s also possible to see how common McLaren are with the followers; you see papaya colours rather more round, and all this stuff had been potential due to Zak’s imaginative and prescient. So I actually thank him for that – and I congratulate him too.”
