Norris Wins F1 Title, Now Awaits Zak Brown's Payout on 'Dream Car' Bet

Lando Norris is the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion, and his victory has officially triggered a high-stakes bet with McLaren CEO Zak Brown. With the title secured in Abu Dhabi, the onus is now on Brown to deliver on his promise, which Norris has hinted involves gifting him a childhood "dream car" that is not a McLaren.

Why it matters:

This playful wager, made public earlier in the season, adds a layer of human interest and team camaraderie to Norris's championship story. It underscores the unique driver-team principal relationship at McLaren and turns a personal milestone into a shared, public celebration with a tangible (and likely expensive) reward. The bet's existence also subtly highlights the confidence both parties had in their long-term project, even when a title seemed a distant prospect.

The details:

• The bet was confirmed by Norris during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, where he stated it was "still on" and involved "not a cheap something."
• Norris took precautions to ensure Brown could not back out, citing "video proof from several great guys" that makes the bet unbreakable.
• While competing in Abu Dhabi, Norris only needed to finish third or higher to clinch the title, which he achieved, ultimately beating Max Verstappen by a narrow two-point margin.
• In a later radio interview, the newly crowned champion revealed the prize is his "dream car since I was a kid," specifically noting it is not a McLaren, fueling widespread speculation about the model.

What's next:

All eyes are now on Zak Brown to fulfill his end of the bargain. The delivery of the car will be a highly anticipated moment, likely to be captured and shared by the team and Norris himself. This fulfillment will serve as a symbolic capstone to a remarkable season for McLaren, celebrating not just a driver's title but the fulfillment of a trust-based pact made before their ultimate success was guaranteed.