Lewis Hamilton Hails Lando Norris After Historic F1 World Title Win

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed great pride and admiration for Lando Norris, who clinched his maiden Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship after finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris becomes the first Brit to win the world title since Hamilton’s 2020 triumph, and only the 11th British champion in history.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Lewis Hamilton said, “I’m really, really happy for him. Winning your first world championship is truly special. The UK continues to pump out great drivers.”

The 26-year-old McLaren driver sealed the championship with a controlled race, finishing behind winner Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri—but securing exactly the result he needed.

Hamilton Reveals Pre-Race Advice

While Lewis Hamilton initially claimed he had “no advice” for Lando Norris ahead of the tense finale, he revealed after the race that he did share guidance before the weekend.

“Before the weekend, I just told him what he’s been doing works, so don’t change anything,” Lewis Hamilton said. “I guess that’s what he did.”

Lewis Hamilton noted the intense pressure that comes with fighting for a first title—something he experienced in 2008 with McLaren. The parallel isn’t lost on the F1 community: both drivers earned their first world championships with the same team, 18 years apart.

A Moment of Respect—and Regret

In the emotional aftermath of the race, Lando Norris reflected on his journey and addressed a moment from 2024 that he regrets: a tense exchange in the cooldown room with Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he snapped back at a comment about McLaren’s pace.

“Some things I regret and wish I could take back,” Norris admitted. “I try to give as much respect as I can to Lewis—he’s a seven-time world champion, the best there’s ever been.”

Norris’s honesty and humility further deepened the emotional weight of his championship moment.

Warm Hug Caps a Memorable Night

In one of the most heartwarming moments of the Abu Dhabi paddock, Hamilton walked over to Norris during a media interview, embraced him, and offered personal congratulations.

“Congratulations, I’m so happy for you mate,” Lewis Hamilton said, interrupting with a smile.

Despite enduring a difficult first season with Ferrari—finishing eighth in Abu Dhabi and sixth in the standings—Hamilton was visibly delighted for his compatriot.

 

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A New Era for British Motorsport

Lando Norris’ championship caps a season in which he scored seven wins, seven poles, and two sprint victories, edging Verstappen by just two points. Teammate Oscar Piastri, who led much of the season, finished third overall.

With Britain’s newest world champion now at the helm, Hamilton’s heartfelt approval symbolizes a passing of the torch—and the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in Formula 1.