Lando Norris Receives F1 Drivers' Championship Trophy at FIA Gala

Lando Norris was formally presented with his second-place trophy for the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship at the annual FIA Prize Giving Gala in Baku, Azerbaijan. The McLaren driver, who secured the runner-up spot with a career-best season, finally received the physical silverware after a year of intense competition against Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

The ceremony marks the official recognition from the sport's governing body for a driver's season-long achievement. For Norris, collecting the trophy solidifies a breakthrough year where he transformed from a perennial podium contender into a consistent championship threat, claiming his maiden Grand Prix victory and establishing himself as a clear number two in the standings.

The details:

• The presentation took place on stage during the formal FIA event, which honors champions from all FIA-sanctioned series.
• Norris finished the 2024 season with 330 points, seven Grand Prix podiums, and his historic first win in Miami.
• His performance was crucial in securing McLaren's third-place finish in the Constructors' Championship, the team's best result in over a decade.

The big picture:

Receiving the trophy is a symbolic capstone on Norris's most complete F1 season to date. It reflects not only his personal growth and speed but also McLaren's successful resurgence as a top team. The result validates the team's development path and sets a new baseline for their ambitions heading into 2025.

What's next:

With the formalities of the 2024 season concluded, focus immediately shifts to the upcoming campaign. Norris will aim to build on this momentum, using the confidence from his first trophy-winning championship finish as a springboard to mount a sustained title challenge against Verstappen and Red Bull.