Lando Norris Felt "Calm and Ready" Clinching 2025 F1 Title

Lando Norris has revealed he felt an unexpected sense of calm during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race he anticipated would be a chaotic battle for his first Formula 1 drivers' championship. The McLaren driver, who clinched the title by a narrow two-point margin over Max Verstappen, described the experience as feeling like "just another day at the office" once he was in the car, despite the immense pressure of the moment.

Why it matters:

Winning an F1 title is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Norris's ability to find composure when he expected chaos highlights his mental growth and readiness to be a champion, providing a rare glimpse into the mindset of an elite athlete performing under the highest possible stakes.

The details:

• Pre-race anxiety: Norris admitted on his YouTube channel that the week leading up to the season finale was filled with uncertainty. He didn't know "how to feel" or if he was meant to be "really excited or scared," noting he gets nervous before every session.
• In-car composure: Contrary to his expectations of a "bit too chaotic" event, he felt "pretty ready" and "very calm" after getting into the car. This shift in mindset was crucial for his performance.
• The championship fight: He secured the title with a required podium finish, beating Max Verstappen by just two points and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 13.
• Historic win: With his victory, Norris became the first British driver to win the drivers' championship since Lewis Hamilton.

Looking Ahead:

With his first title secured, the focus now shifts to defending it against a determined field as the sport heads into a new era of regulations in 2026.

• Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has already warned Norris against resting on his laurels, expecting Max Verstappen to come back stronger after narrowly missing out on the title.
• The upcoming regulation changes could reshape the competitive order, presenting a new set of challenges for the newly-crowned champion and his team.