Lando Norris Receives F1 Championship Trophy at FIA Gala

Lando Norris was officially presented with his second-place trophy for the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship at the annual FIA Prize Giving Gala in Baku, Azerbaijan. The McLaren driver, who secured his career-best finish with a strong second half of the season, received the award from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a formal ceremony recognizing the year's champions across all FIA-sanctioned motorsport categories.

Why it matters:

The formal trophy presentation marks the official conclusion of the competitive season and solidifies a driver's standing in the championship history. For Norris, receiving the runner-up trophy is a significant milestone, representing his and McLaren's most successful campaign in over a decade and serving as a tangible symbol of his progression into a consistent title contender.

The details:

• The ceremony in Baku honored champions from all FIA disciplines, with Max Verstappen receiving his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship trophy.
• Norris's second-place finish was built on a remarkable run of form, including a victory in Miami and multiple podium finishes, which ultimately helped McLaren secure third in the Constructors' Championship.
• The trophy presentation is a traditional formality, as the championship standings are finalized at the season's last race, but the gala provides the formal recognition from the sport's governing body.

The big picture:

Norris's ascension to the championship podium highlights a shifting competitive order in Formula 1. After years of McLaren rebuilding, his 2024 performance, coupled with Oscar Piastri's strong results, signals the team's return to the forefront. Securing the runner-up spot ahead of established rivals like Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez underscores Norris's elevated status and sets a new benchmark for his future title ambitions.