Lando Norris claims first F1 championship in Abu Dhabi decider

Lando Norris has won his first Formula 1 championship following a tense season finale in Abu Dhabi. 

The young Brit finished in third place behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri respectively, but this was enough for Norris to clinch the overall win. 

Despite starting from second position on the grid, Norris was overtaken by his teammate early in the race, dropping him to third, and then an early pit stop forced him into traffic. 

Rather than playing it safe, Lando pushed through the pack, almost coming to blows with Tsunoda as he did his best to protect Verstappen’s championship hopes. 

Piastri held the lead for a while, but was overtaken by Verstappen on lap 41, who controlled the race from that point, and claimed his eighth win of the season when the checkered flag was waved. 

As for final the championship results, Norris finished two points up on Verstappen, who was eleven points clear of Piastri. 

With Norris winning, McLaren claimed its first Driver’s Championship since Lewis Hamilton won with them in 2008.

Kiwi star Liam Lawson ended up in 18th place, and his Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar pipped him by one place, claiming 17th.