Lando Norris’ rivals have praised F1’s new world champion, with Carlos Sainz saying the McLaren driver proved he could win titles by being a “nice guy” rather than a “ruthless or bad guy”.
Norris claimed his first title by finishing third in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, leaving season finale winner Max Verstappen two points clear of the 2025 crown.
Norris, 26, becomes world champion for the first time at the end of seven seasons in F1.
Sainz was the then 19-year-old Briton’s first teammate when he joined the McLaren grid and they spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons racing together, and the pair developed a strong friendship off the track as well.
And after the race, Sainz, who currently races for Williams, paid a heartfelt compliment to Norris, who regularly speaks openly about his mental health and has been honest in publicly assessing the ups and downs of his performance.
“I’m very happy as a driver because he’s always been a very fast driver, faster than people give him credit for, a very talented driver,” Sainz told Sky Sports F1.
“In my first few years at McLaren, I saw a guy who had the speed to be a multiple world champion if it was just pure speed.
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Inspiring Lando Norris looks back on his career leading up to his world title win in Abu Dhabi
“In the process, he improved his skills significantly and is now a world champion.
“Above all, I’m happy for him as a person because he’s a driver who doesn’t conform to the typical stereotype of a world champion. He’s always been true to himself, very honest, very open about his struggles, and he’s proven to everyone that you can be a world champion if you’re a nice guy and you don’t have to be ruthless or evil.
“I’m happy for him. I hope he doesn’t change. He doesn’t have it in his head to be world champion and continues to be himself, even if it means he can be more relaxed and enjoy F1 more.”
‘Really special’, ‘very emotional’ – Hamilton and Verstappen pay tribute
Norris became the 11th British driver to win the Drivers’ Championship and the second-youngest driver after 23-year-old Hamilton won his first title in 2008, but it was McLaren’s last win until Sunday.
Hamilton, F1’s most successful driver with a record of seven championships and 105 race wins, paid tribute to his compatriot.
“I’m really, really happy for him,” said the Ferrari driver.
“Winning your first World Championship is really special. Great Britain continues to produce great drivers.
“I know how you feel going into this race and fighting for your first championship, but it’s nerve-wracking.”
Norris succeeded Verstappen as world champion, ending the Dutchman’s four-year reign at the top of the sport.
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Team McLaren celebrates Lando Norris’ world title win with champagne spray in paddock
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Lando Norris celebrates becoming world champion with tears, donuts and hugs!
Verstappen himself offered his congratulations.
“He’s had a very good season,” the Red Bull driver told Sky Sports F1.
“In general, there was a tough battle going on between him and Oscar, and at some point I joined the fight.
“A first win is always very emotional. Everyone on the grid always dreams of that moment, so it’s very special.
“I hope he really enjoys tonight with his family and of course with his team.”
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Lando Norris praised teammate Oscar Piastri, saying, “I couldn’t be the driver I am today without him.”
Norris said after the race that he “learned a lot” from the inexperienced Piastri during their first three years as teammates. The Australian, who beat Norris to second place in the Abu Dhabi race, ultimately finished third, 13 points behind his teammate, but said the feeling was mutual.
“I’ve learned a lot along the way. Even in the past three years, I’ve learned something every weekend from Lando’s activities. It’s nice to know it goes both ways,” Piastri said.
“It’s going to be a lot of tough weekends and tough battles for years to come, but I think ultimately it made both of us better drivers and in some ways contributed to the success we both had this year.”
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