Norris on Title Win and Regretted Remarks About Verstappen and Hamilton

Lando Norris, Champion, says he won on his own terms, not by copying Max Verstappen’s aggressive style. He apologises for past “stupid” comments about Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, stressing respect.

Why it matters:

• Norris shows a champion can win without the “all‑out aggression” model, giving young drivers a new template.
• His apology softens the paddock’s combative tone, proving respect can coexist with fierce competition.

The details:

• Winning on his terms: Norris said he “kept my cool, focused on myself and got the most out of how I am,” showing he didn’t need to become a “more aggressive” driver.
• Regretted remarks: He recalled calling Verstappen “clueless” and a cooldown‑room jab at Hamilton (“you had a fast car seven years ago”), remarks he now wishes he could take back.

What's next:

Norris heads into 2026 as defending champion, determined to keep McLaren competitive while staying true to his low‑aggression, authenticity‑first approach. His open apology may set a tone for a more respectful paddock as rivals and sponsors watch his next moves.