Brown thrilled after Norris wins World Championship: 'A little too exciting!'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown celebrated Lando Norris's first Formula 1 World Championship victory, calling the tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix "a little too exciting." Norris secured the title by finishing third, edging out race winner Max Verstappen by a mere two points to deliver McLaren its first drivers' championship since Lewis Hamilton's triumph in 2008.

Why it matters:

This victory marks a monumental comeback for McLaren, cementing their return to the top of the sport after years of rebuilding. It validates the team's aggressive development path, its driver lineup strategy, and its ability to manage a fierce intra-team rivalry under championship pressure—a feat many considered impossible.

The details:

• Norris only needed a podium finish in Abu Dhabi to secure the title, but faced sustained pressure from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc throughout the race.
• His calm and composed drive, a hallmark of his performances in the second half of the 2025 season, was enough to clinch the championship.
• The title completes a historic double for McLaren, who had already won the Constructors' Championship earlier in the season at the Singapore Grand Prix.
• Brown highlighted the unique challenge of managing the season-long battle between Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, with team orders and "papaya rules" being a constant topic of discussion.

The big picture:

Brown's pride was centered on the team's collective achievement. "We let them race until the end. Most people thought that would be impossible to pull off," he stated. This championship is the culmination of a strategic rebuild under Brown's leadership, proving that McLaren can once again compete for and win the ultimate prizes in Formula 1. Norris becomes the 11th British driver to win the world title, adding his name to a prestigious list that includes his predecessor at the team, Lewis Hamilton.

What's next:

With the drivers' and constructors' titles secured, McLaren's focus will inevitably shift to defending their crowns in 2026. The challenge will be to maintain their technical advantage and manage the continued development of their two superstar drivers, whose competitive dynamic has now been proven on the biggest stage.