Domenicali to Champion Norris: 'Keep Smiling'

Lando Norris has been crowned the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion after a grueling season that tested his mental resilience as much as his driving skill. His victory, secured by a mere two points in Abu Dhabi, was a testament to his ability to overcome early-season errors, a fierce internal challenge from teammate Oscar Piastri, and a late-season surge from Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized that Norris's "positive, young, energetic" personality is a critical asset for the sport, making him an ideal champion for a new generation of fans. Domenicali's simple advice—"keep smiling"—highlights the expectation that the world champion serves as a global ambassador, not just a competitor. Norris's relatable and upbeat demeanor is seen as key to carrying the prestige of the title and broadening F1's appeal.

The details:

• A Tough Start: Norris openly admitted his 2025 campaign began "very tough," with early mistakes that allowed his teammate, Oscar Piastri, to seize the lead in the drivers' standings.
• The Piastri Factor: The intra-team battle was a defining element. Norris credited Piastri for pushing him "deeper than ever," honestly stating that by mid-season, his teammate was "performing better... and doing a better job consistently." This rivalry forced Norris to elevate his own game.
• The Mental Reset: The summer break proved pivotal. Norris used the time to work on "a lot of other things that go on in the background" to build personal resilience and extract more performance, a process he credits for the final two-point margin of victory.
• External Pressure: As Norris regained his footing, a late charge from Red Bull's Max Verstappen added another layer of pressure, but the McLaren driver held firm to clinch the title.

What's next:

Now a proven world champion, Norris's focus will shift to defending his crown in 2026. The intense, developmental battle with Piastri has forged him into a more complete and mentally tough driver. The key question moving forward is how he will handle the new pressure of being the established benchmark on the grid.