Imagine standing on the edge of history, the roar of the crowd in your ears, and the chequered flag waving in your direction.
That’s exactly what Lando Norris experienced after clinching his first Formula One World Championship.
We caught up with him in Room 5139 of the Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi, which offers sweeping views of Yas Island Waterfront, just steps from the track where he sealed his triumph.
A Celebration Like No Other
The morning after his victory, a bowl of nuts and fresh fruit sat untouched as Norris recounted the night before.
He described the surreal sensation of winning as “out-of-body,” joking that it felt almost godlike.
Memories of childhood flashed before him—the tiny go-karting boy he once was, long before he even understood the world of Formula One.
The celebrations were, naturally, full of life. Norris and his team sang classics like Sweet Caroline and We Are the Champions.
Vodka made an appearance—though, importantly, no Red Bull mixer—and his father, Adam, danced with what Norris called “horrific” flair, reminiscent of David Brent.
After a long night, Norris wrapped things up with a McDonald’s breakfast, longing for McNuggets that weren’t available at that early hour.
Sausage, egg, and chicken alternatives had to suffice.
He laughed as he reflected that, in his rookie season, McNuggets had been a post-race ritual—but now it was all about celebrating with the most important people in his life.
Racing Through Memories
Despite the late-night party, Norris arrived in the hotel room looking refreshed and upbeat—a stark contrast to Lewis Hamilton after the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix, when he had to excuse himself to the bathroom.
But for Norris, the final laps of the championship race were where the magic happened.
Needing just a third-place finish to secure the title over Max Verstappen, he described an almost cinematic experience:
“It felt like a movie, seeing flashbacks of my life,” he said.
“From the very first time I drove a go-kart, through quad bikes and motocross, all the races, the 2014 world championship—it was like watching a montage from above.”
He laughed at the image of observing himself “like a bird or a helicopter,” reflecting on how small he once was and how little he knew about Formula One, yet always believing he would reach this pinnacle.
Family, Memories, and Emotions
Norris’s father played a big role in those celebrations—and in his journey.
“I let my dad be my dad,” Lando said, smiling.
“He was as emotional as I was. He knows everything we’ve been through—the struggles, the good times, the great moments. He’s the reason I’m here.”
He also reminisced about early memories with his parents, like playing Gran Turismo 3 on the PlayStation as a toddler.
The emotional climax came at the final corner of the track, where Norris saw the chequered flag and papaya markings, lifted his gloves to his eyes, and cried.
“This was the ‘it’ moment, the one that defined everything,” he said.
Life After Victory
With the world championship secured, Norris’s phone has been buzzing with congratulations—from Novak Djokovic to Harry Kane and other sporting icons.
Yet he keeps things grounded, recognizing that while his life has changed, it hasn’t changed him.
The award season is already on the horizon, with Norris as one of the favorites for BBC Sports Personality of the Year alongside Rory McIlroy and Chloe Kelly.
Asked who should win, he shrugged, leaving the decision to the public.
Meanwhile, he continues to live the post-victory routine: sunbeds, pizza with his parents, and a tyre test on the track that brought him glory.
“Winning the title will change my life, of course,” he said.
“It’s amazing to see my name on such a list, but it doesn’t change who I am.”
What Comes Next?
For now, Norris is savoring the moment, reflecting on his journey from tiny go-kart tracks to the world stage.
The next chapter is wide open, but one thing is certain: Lando Norris is officially a Formula One world champion, and the memory of that final corner will stay with him forever.
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