Verstappen and Domenicali share lighthearted advice with new champion Norris
Following his dramatic Abu Dhabi victory, Lando Norris shared a humorous moment with Max Verstappen and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who warned the new champion about the 'long night' of celebrations ahead after a tense race that secured his first title.
Newly crowned world champion Lando Norris shared a lighthearted moment with his predecessor Max Verstappen and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali immediately after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, receiving playful warnings about the celebrations to come after a tense and dramatic title-deciding race.
Why it matters:
This candid interaction highlights the immense pressure and subsequent release experienced by a driver in the moments after clinching a world championship. It also showcases the camaraderie and mutual respect among top competitors, even in the high-stakes environment of a title fight. The moment of levity contrasts sharply with the intense on-track battle that preceded it.
The details:
The scene unfolded in the cooldown room after the race. A visibly drained Norris stretched out on the chairs, prompting Domenicali to jokingly tell him, "don't sleep." Verstappen, having experienced the post-title whirlwind three times himself, then chimed in to warn Norris he was in for a "long night" of celebrations.
- Norris's victory was far from straightforward. He faced a sustained threat from Charles Leclerc, who was close enough to potentially demote Norris to fourth place—a result that would have cost him the championship.
- The McLaren driver also endured several tense laps under investigation for an incident with Yuki Tsunoda. Race stewards ultimately deemed Tsunoda at fault for weaving on the straight, leaving Norris's result and title secure.
- Upon exiting his car, Norris was overcome with emotion, embracing his team and family. In interviews, he radiated joy, stating he now understood the feeling Verstappen had described after his own title wins.
The big picture:
Norris's title victory marks a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape, breaking the recent stranglehold of Max Verstappen and Red Bull. His journey from a driver known for near-misses and bad luck to a consistent race winner and now world champion completes a remarkable career arc and validates McLaren's long-term project and investment in their star driver.
What's next:
The focus for Norris and McLaren now shifts from winning a first title to defending it. The off-season will be a whirlwind of celebration, media obligations, and sponsor events, but the real work begins in preparing the 2025 car. The challenge will be to maintain this momentum and performance level against a resurgent Ferrari, a determined Mercedes, and a Red Bull team hungry to reclaim the crown.