Lando Norris on 2025 Title: 'I'm Happy I Won It Lando's Way'
After winning the 2025 F1 title, Lando Norris expressed pride in his victory, stating he won "Lando's way" without adopting the aggressive style of past champions like Max Verstappen.
Lando Norris clinched the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship in a thrilling final-round battle, but his proudest achievement wasn't just the title itself—it was winning on his own terms. The McLaren driver openly rejected the "aggressive" and "forceful" persona often associated with F1 greats like Max Verstappen, proving that a champion can stay true to their character while reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Why it matters:
Norris's victory challenges the long-standing, almost stereotypical, image of an F1 champion as a ruthless, win-at-all-costs competitor. His success offers a new narrative for the sport, suggesting that authenticity and a measured approach can be just as effective as the uncompromising tactics that have defined eras dominated by drivers like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Verstappen. This reshapes the conversation around what it takes to be a champion in modern F1.
The details:
- A Different Path: Norris was explicit in his pride for not emulating his rivals. "Not trying to be as aggressive as Max or as forceful as other champions might have been in the past," he stated, emphasizing that he won by being himself, not someone he thought he needed to be.
- "Lando's Way": The 11-time race winner channeled Frank Sinatra, declaring, "I’m happy. I won it my way." He credited McLaren team principal Andrea Stella for encouraging him to embrace his own style, which ultimately led to success.
- Hard-Fought Victory: His championship was not easily won. Norris had to overcome a 34-point deficit after a retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix, ultimately beating Verstappen by a razor-thin margin of just two points.
- No Regrets: While acknowledging he could have adopted a more aggressive persona, Norris insisted it would have diminished the accomplishment. "I would have been less proud about it in some ways," he admitted, highlighting the personal satisfaction of staying true to himself under immense pressure.
Looking ahead:
Norris's 2025 triumph could be a defining moment for the next generation of F1 drivers. By shattering the mold of the stereotypical champion, he has demonstrated that there is no single formula for success. This not only adds a fascinating new layer to his rivalry with Verstappen but also provides a compelling, more relatable blueprint for aspiring drivers aiming for the top, proving that you don't have to change who you are to become a World Champion.