In a thrilling turn of events, Formula 1's top executive, Stefano Domenicali, lavishes praise on the newly crowned 2025 World Champion, Lando Norris, calling him a 'great character' after an unforgettable season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Domenicali, Formula 1's President and CEO, shared his thoughts on the dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season, where Norris secured his first F1 title in style. The young Briton's journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable, as he led the standings heading into the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit. Finishing in third place, behind his title rivals Max Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris claimed the ultimate prize in a highly competitive season.
Domenicali's post-race comments reveal his admiration for Norris: "I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this incredible season: our team, all F1 teams, promoters, the FIA, drivers, broadcasters, media, and especially the fans. It's rare to reach the season's end with the title still up for grabs, and this season has been full of surprises.
"The championship battle has been intense, with Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen all taking turns at the top. Congratulations to Lando; he brings a unique personality and professionalism to Formula 1. His infectious smile and approach to the sport will energize the championship and inspire the younger generation."
But Domenicali didn't stop there, acknowledging the impressive performances of the other title contenders: "Today, I witnessed two other exceptional drivers, Oscar and Max, with a newfound maturity. Their incredible seasons made the title fight go down to the wire, and that's what makes Formula 1 so captivating."
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked a historic moment, as it was the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers had a shot at the title in the final race. Interestingly, in 2010, Domenicali was the team boss at Ferrari, and Andrea Stella, now McLaren Team Principal, was the race engineer for Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. That year, Ferrari narrowly missed out on the championship, losing to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel by a mere four points.
Domenicali graciously congratulated his former colleague, Andrea Stella, for leading McLaren to both the Drivers' and Team's World Championships in 2025: "Andrea and I go way back, and I know the pressure he's been under. I told him to savor the moment and be proud of his achievements. Life rewards those who persevere. Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO, also deserves credit for steering the team through challenging times. Three years ago, they were at the back of the grid, but his focus and strategic decisions brought McLaren back to its former glory."
Domenicali's comments highlight the intense competition and the remarkable comeback story of McLaren, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for Formula 1.
