Lando Norris celebrated his first F1 World Championship success in style as the Brit partied long into the night after holding his nerve in Abu Dhabi
Lando Norris partied long into the night after handling immense pressure to win his first F1 World Championship.
The 26-year-old Brit finished on the podium in the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing him the world title, two points ahead of Red Bull’s race winner Max Verstappen, also holding off McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the three-way battle for the Championship.
Norris held his nerve after being passed by Piastri on the opening lap, and had to hold off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to remain in third place early in the race. The Brit then had to cut back through the field after being released from his first pit stop into traffic.
It’s been a rollercoaster year for Norris and he was able to celebrate claiming the greatest prize of all, and he needed no second invitation.
Norris attended the party set up by Amber Lounge, who host exclusive F1 after parties, featuring VIP tables, DJs and celebrity guests. The world champ was seen walking into the party with his girlfriend Magui Corceiro, holding hands.
Ferrari driver Leclerc, who piled the most pressure on Norris during the race, also attended the party.
The wild night continued until gone 5am, with a video of Norris hoisted in the air by his friends singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ posted on social media.
Another clip showed the world champion belting out ‘We Are the Champions’, the same song that rang out around the Yas Marina Circuit during his title celebrations on the podium.
McLaren were keen to host Norris’ party in Abu Dhabi, given he will take part in media duties later today and a post-season testing session at the track on Tuesday.
During the post-race celebrations with his team, Norris was soon knocking back what appeared to be a can of Monster before grimacing, later revealing it was a little stronger than an energy drink.
“Hell no! It’s way more!” Norris said. “This might be my only time [I celebrate a title]. I really hope it’s not, and I am confident it’s not going be my only time of sitting here alone. It’s quite lonely here.
“No one else sat by my side. But I want to enjoy this moment because not many people ever will get to experience what I’ve managed to experience today.
“The effect, the feeling it’s had on other people, that makes me so happy. So I’m going to celebrate well.
“My friends, I really hope they’ve all had many drinks already because I want to go and party with them, because this is more about them than it is about me.
“My mechanics, my engineers, I mean, crap, we got a test on Tuesday morning, but yeah.”
Speaking after his triumph, Norris told the team radio in tears: “You made my dreams come true, thank you so much. I love you guys, for everything. You deserve it. I love you mum, I love you dad. Thanks for everything. And now I’m crying!”