How McLaren's Monza Swap Secured Norris' Title, Ending Verstappen's 1456-Day Reign

Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 World Championship in the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, finishing third to clinch the title by just two points over Max Verstappen. The victory ends Verstappen's 1,456-day reign as champion and marks a historic double for McLaren, who also secured back-to-back constructors' titles. Norris's triumph was sealed by a critical mid-season team order that ultimately decided the championship.

Why it matters:

Norris's title breaks the three-year dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull, signaling a major shift in the sport's competitive order. It validates McLaren's aggressive development path and team strategy, proving that calculated risks and unwavering driver consistency can topple an established powerhouse. The championship also cements Norris's place among Britain's elite racing drivers.

The Details:

• The decisive moment came at the Italian Grand Prix in September, where McLaren instructed Oscar Piastri to let Norris through for position.
• This single strategic call flipped the final championship result: Norris won with 423 points to Verstappen's 421. Without the swap, Verstappen would have retained the title with 421 points to Norris's 420.
• Norris's season was built on remarkable consistency, finishing on the podium in 18 of the 24 Grands Prix, with seven of those being race wins.
• At 26 years and 23 days old, he becomes the twelfth-youngest champion in F1 history.

The Big Picture:

Norris's championship is a milestone for both driver and team. He becomes the eleventh British world champion and the eighth different driver to win the title for McLaren, joining legends like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Lewis Hamilton. His title, combined with McLaren's constructors' win, represents the most successful period for the Woking-based team since the late 1990s and early 2000s. It underscores a complete team effort where strategy, car performance, and driver execution aligned perfectly under pressure.

What's Next:

The 2025 season sets the stage for a compelling 2026 campaign. Verstappen and Red Bull will be determined to reclaim the crown, while Norris and McLaren will aim to defend their hard-won titles. Oscar Piastri, having finished a close third, will enter his fourth season as a proven race winner and a formidable intra-team challenger. The rivalry between these top teams and drivers is now the central narrative of Formula 1.