Lando Norris wins Formula 1 world title for first time in Abu Dhabi GP decider to pip Max Verstappen to crown

Lando Norris has become Formula 1 world champion for the first time after finishing third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old becomes Britain’s 11th F1 world champion and is the first McLaren driver to win the title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

Norris, at the end of his seventh season at the top level, ends Verstappen’s four-year reign at the top of the sport with the Red Bull driver’s extraordinary late-season title comeback falling a mere two points short after he dominated Sunday’s season finale to win the race.

Verstappen won from pole with Oscar Piastri, the other final-race title contender, second after passing team-mate Norris on the first lap.

But being beaten by his two rivals on Sunday did not ultimately matter for Norris, who knew that third would be sufficient to wrap up the crown whatever the pair did.

Norris’ one nervy moment in the race came at the start of his second stint when, having pitted earlier than most other cars on lap 16, he had to overtake longer-running cars on older tyres.

They included Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull, with the Japanese driver handed a five-second penalty for forcing Norris off track as the Briton made his move down the backstraight.

A spirited drive from Charles Leclerc meant the Ferrari driver was a threat to Norris’ title-winning position for most of the race but ultimately finished over five seconds behind. Lewis Hamilton ended his difficult first Ferrari season with a strong Sunday from 16th on the grid to eighth.

More to follow…

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