Sir Jackie Stewart hails Lando Norris as a deserving 2025 champion

Sir Jackie Stewart has officially weighed in on Lando Norris’s maiden World Championship victory, praising the McLaren driver’s mental stability and execution during the intense 2025 season. Speaking at the Autosport Awards, the three-time champion emphasized that while Norris benefited from a competitive car and a strong engineering team, the driver ultimately fulfilled his end of the bargain when the pressure was highest.

Why it matters:

Validation from a legend of Stewart's caliber cements Norris's status as a worthy champion rather than just a beneficiary of a fast car. It highlights the maturity Norris displayed to convert poles into wins and fend off Max Verstappen’s relentless late-season attack, signaling that McLaren’s resurgence is backed by a driver capable of leading the team into a new era.

The details:

• Stewart’s Verdict: Stewart described Norris as a "very stable young man" who was "very competitive for the whole season." He noted that despite having excellent machinery, the driver still has to "get the job done correctly," which Norris achieved.
• The Title Fight: The championship went down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, with Norris finishing just two points clear of Verstappen. A strategic and safe drive to third place at Yas Marina was enough to clinch the title under the fireworks.
• Team Effort: Stewart acknowledged the role of the McLaren staff, stating that the combination of competitive personnel and Norris's driving made for a "good world championship."

What's next:

As F1 prepares for a significant regulatory reset in 2026, introducing a new powertrain that balances internal combustion and electric power, the landscape is set to shift. Stewart remains bullish on the sport's future, claiming F1 is "better today than it's ever been," but teams will have to wait and see how the new regulations impact the competitive order as Norris looks to defend his crown.