Lando Norris turning into Method 1 world champion in 2025 will enhance the game’s youthful technology, in keeping with F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was received by four-time world champion Max Verstappen however Norris secured the third place he wanted to win the drivers’ title for the primary time. The 26-year-old turns into solely the second driver to win the title since Domenicali took on his function with F1 – following Verstappen – and had reward for all three of the title contenders this season.
“It has been superb to reach on the finish of the 12 months with the title nonetheless undecided; it is one thing that’s not taken with no consideration. Should you look again, you see so many issues which have occurred this season that appear inconceivable,” Domenicali stated. “Earlier than summertime, Oscar Piastri was profitable the title, then Lando Norris, then Max was sturdy.
“Congratulations to Lando. He is a terrific character for Method 1. His smile, his means of being knowledgeable driver – he’s essential, he is distinctive and he’ll give an enormous enhance of vitality to the championship, to the youthful technology.
“However let me say that as we speak I noticed two different nice drivers in Oscar and Max with a special face, a mature face. They each did unbelievable seasons, and that is why the title battle got here right here proper as much as the top. So, simply implausible.”
Domenicali was additionally eager to congratulate McLaren workforce principal Andrea Stella – who he labored with at Ferrari – and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, for the turnaround over the previous three seasons that has led to the workforce turning into title winners once more.
“I’ve identified Andrea and we’ve been mates for a lot of, a few years – and I do know what was the strain,” he stated. “Once I noticed him, I stated, ‘Hear, simply take pleasure in, you deserve it, and on the finish of the day, you need to be pleased with what you could have achieved.’ So, as all the time, life is giving again what you deserve.
“And in addition, Zak Brown was very sturdy in taking the workforce from a really unhealthy second; I keep in mind three years in the past after they have been final on the grid. However he stayed centered, saved the route, understood the wants of the workforce, introduced in the important thing individuals – and as all the time, the workforce is a very powerful factor.
“Now we’ve got a McLaren workforce that’s again to the usual of many, a few years in the past. And you may as well see how fashionable McLaren are with the followers; you see papaya colours way more round, and all this stuff have been attainable due to Zak’s imaginative and prescient. So I actually thank him for that – and I congratulate him too.”
