🔗 Share this article Lando Norris Reveals Satisfaction in Securing First F1 Title His Way. The British racing driver stated he is immensely proud of the approach in which he won his first-ever Formula One world championship, stressing after a heartfelt victory lap with his team and family that he was happy to have succeeded "in his own style". The champion highlighted that he believes he competed fairly and without being overly forceful, a strategy for which he has faced criticism for not displaying the much-discussed "ruthless edge". He maintains that securing the championship demonstrates such an approach is not essential. Norris wrapped up the championship with a P3 finish at the season finale, beating his rival from Red Bull by a narrow margin. Verstappen took the checkered flag but could not overcome the 12-point advantage the McLaren driver held entering the last race. "This is an aspect that makes me most proud," Norris said. "I feel like I have just been able to secure it the way I wanted to, which was not by being someone I’m not." He elaborated, "Choosing not to be as combative as Max or as forceful as other champions might have been historically, I’m content. I just won it my way – by being a fair driver, by trying to be an honest driver." A Tense Conclusion The champion admitted that, although he seemed calm, the final laps were nerve-jangling. "I was composed until three corners to go, then I began to tremble a bit," he said. "Then I got to see the team when I crossed the line is a memory that I’ll never forget." An Incredible Turnaround Norris's path to the championship involved a remarkable recovery from being 34 points behind of his teammate in the summer. A DNF in Zandvoort served as a major catalyst. "I thought: ‘Oh, shoot. I’m quite a long way behind against a seriously quick driver, and I’ve got to step it up,’" Norris explained. "I had to become more myself because of external factors, working with more professionals in different areas to unlock more of my ability." Competitors' Responses Max Verstappen: No Regrets Max Verstappen took only positives from his and Red Bull’s performances, having mounted a comeback from a 104‑point deficit. Verstappen felt they had done everything possible against a McLaren that was the superior package. "Yeah, I think so, I have no regrets about my season," he said. "The performance has been strong. I’ve struggled with this car at times, but I’ve also loved it at times." However, the Dutchman reacted testily when asked about a controversial incident at the Spanish GP where a time punishment cost him critical points. "You forget all the other events that happened," he retorted. "A championship is won over a full season... I have also had a lot of early Christmas presents come my way." The Runner-Up's Reflection A clearly disappointed McLaren teammate, who was in front for much of the campaign, admitted he would learn from the experience. "Obviously I would have wished for a slightly different ending," he stated. "But I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself behind the wheel and off the track... Ultimately there’s a little bit of disappointment but I think I can be very proud."