Norris jokes about F-bomb at FIA Gala: 'I got fined, I can pay it off now'

Newly crowned 2025 Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris brought his signature candid humor to the FIA Prize Giving Gala in Uzbekistan, where he was officially presented with the championship trophy. In a lighthearted moment, he let an expletive slip while reflecting on his season, quickly joking about the potential fine and referencing Max Verstappen's similar incident from the previous year.

Why it matters:

Norris's relaxed and unfiltered demeanor at the pinnacle of F1's formal ceremonies highlights a generational shift in how champions present themselves. His ability to balance genuine emotion with humor, while acknowledging the season's challenges, offers a refreshingly human glimpse into the pressure-cooker environment of a title fight. It also underscores the intense scrutiny drivers face, even in their celebratory moments.

The details:

• Norris received the trophy in Uzbekistan, fulfilling a childhood dream he recalled having since watching the ceremony in 2014.
• In his speech, he reflected on growing up in the sport, racing against his idols like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso.
• He openly discussed the emotional aftermath of his Abu Dhabi title win, admitting to getting "extremely drunk" during the celebrations.
• The pivotal moment came when describing the season's journey: "We had our fair share of mistakes and f**k-ups. Can I say that here? I’m okay? Oh, sorry. I got fined. I can pay it off now."
• This was a clear nod to Max Verstappen, who was assigned community service after swearing during the 2024 FIA Gala in Kigali.

The big picture:

Norris's championship, secured in a three-way showdown with Verstappen and his own McLaren teammate in Abu Dhabi, marks the end of Verstappen's four-year dominance. While Verstappen did not attend the Uzbekistan ceremony, having settled for the silver medal, he did win the F1 Action of the Year award for the best overtake of the season. Norris's victory speech, blending gratitude, nostalgia, and irreverent humor, encapsulates the culmination of McLaren's rise and his own ascent to the top of the sport.