McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella has hailed Lando Norris’ maiden F1 title as “an extraordinary achievement” for the constructor.
Norris wrapped up his maiden F1 title with third place at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix behind his two title rivals, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, with Piastri having passed his teammate around Turn 9 on the opening lap which allowed the Aussie to keep Verstappen under pressure throughout.
His pressure consequently allowed Norris to calmly drive his way to a third-placed finish which was the minimal position that he needed for the title, and denied Verstappen a fifth consecutive title by just two points.
Stella post-race described Norris’ success as “an extraordinary achievement” for McLaren as they claimed their first drivers’ title since 2008 – which saw Lewis Hamilton claim his first of seven championships.
McLaren also achieved their first driver and constructors’ title double since 1998 which left Stella brimming with pride at their success, as he credited those at their base in Woking, UK, for their contributions.
“The main feeling is that we are incredibly proud to take home a maiden 2025 FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship for Lando. This is a fantastic end to what has been a hard-fought season, one that has tested and brought out the best in everyone across the team.
“All the men and women in Woking have responded to the call how we had wished to elevate the game and level of performance following our success last season.”
Stella also acknowledged the fact that Norris and Piastri were able to challenge Verstappen is a huge achievement in itself, and praised the pair for sticking to the team’s approach even when things got challenging
“While only one driver can take the Drivers’ Championship title each season, to be in a situation where both Lando and Oscar were challenging at the sharp end against a four-time World Champion in Max Verstappen, was always an ambition and not a problem.
“The demand of this was huge, but we did it the McLaren way, even when we had our bumps on in the road, everyone stuck to our culture which showed our incredible unity, and I’m so happy that the team have been rewarded with this success.
“Lando and Oscar have been outstanding all year both on and off track, showing the true values of what it means to be a McLaren team member.
“Together they have secured a combined 14 wins and a total of 34 podiums which also delivered the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, our 10th as a team and also our first Championship double since the team’s iconic 1998 season.”
Leave a Reply