Former Red Bull mechanic 'amazed' by Britain's F1 success after Norris' title win

Lando Norris became Formula 1's 34th World Champion and the 11th British driver to claim the title, extending the United Kingdom's record tally to 21 Drivers' Championships. His victory at the Abu Dhabi season finale, where he secured the crown by finishing third while Max Verstappen won the race, has sparked reflection on Britain's dominant and sustained success in the sport.

Why it matters:

Britain's statistical dominance in F1 is unparalleled, with more than double the championships of its nearest rival nations. This sustained production of world-class talent over seven decades highlights a unique and deeply embedded motorsport culture that continues to thrive, even as the global competition for the title intensifies.

The Details:

• Norris clinched the 2025 title by two points over Max Verstappen, overcoming a mid-season points deficit to teammate Oscar Piastri.
• The United Kingdom's 21 titles are spread across 11 drivers: Lewis Hamilton (7), Jackie Stewart (3), Graham Hill (2), Jim Clark (2), Mike Hawthorn, John Surtees, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jenson Button, and now Lando Norris.
• Germany is a distant second with 12 titles, thanks largely to Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Nico Rosberg.
• The achievement prompted a humorous social media post from former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas, who expressed amazement given the common perception of everyday driving standards in the UK.

The big picture:

This milestone reinforces Britain's status as the historic heartland of Formula 1. The nation not only produces champion drivers but is also home to the majority of F1 teams, creating a powerful ecosystem for talent development. The success spans generations, from the early pioneers like Hawthorn to the modern era dominated by Hamilton and now Norris, proving the pipeline remains robust.