🔗 Share this article Lando Norris Expresses Pride in Securing First F1 Title On His Own Terms. The British racing driver stated he is deeply satisfied of the approach in which he won his first-ever Formula One world championship, emphasizing after emotional celebrations with his team and family that he was happy to have succeeded "in his own style". Norris underscored that he believes he competed fairly and without being overly forceful, a philosophy for which he has faced criticism for lacking the much-discussed "killer instinct". Norris argues that securing the championship demonstrates such an approach is not essential. The 26-year-old wrapped up the championship with a third-place finish at the season finale, beating Red Bull's Max Verstappen by a narrow margin. Verstappen took the checkered flag but could not erase the 12-point advantage the McLaren driver held entering the final round. "That's one of the things that I am most proud of," he commented. "I believe I have just managed to win it the way I aimed to, which was without becoming someone I’m not." Norris added, "Choosing not to be as aggressive as Max or as forceful as other title-winners might have been historically, I’m happy. I just did it my style – by being a sportsmanlike driver, by trying to be an respectful driver." Nerve-Wracking Finale The champion admitted that, despite appearances, the final laps were incredibly tense. "I was composed until the very end, then I started to shake a bit," he recalled. "Then I got to see the team after taking the flag is a moment that I’ll never forget." A Remarkable Comeback The driver's journey to the championship involved a stunning comeback from being 34 points behind of his teammate in the summer. A DNF in the Dutch Grand Prix became a major catalyst. "I thought: ‘Oh no. I’m in a deep hole against a pretty freaking fast driver, and I’ve got to step it up,’" he revealed. "I had to become more myself due to external factors, working with more professionals in different areas to fully realize my potential." Competitors' Responses The Red Bull Driver's View The reigning champion took only positives from his team's performances, having fought back from a massive points gap. He believed they had done everything possible against a papaya car 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 excelled in it at times." However, the Dutchman reacted testily when questioned about a contentious moment at the Barcelona race where a penalty cost him critical points. "People overlook all the other stuff that happened," Verstappen snapped. "A championship is won over 24 rounds... I have also had a lot of early Christmas presents given to me." The Runner-Up's Reflection The visibly dejected Oscar Piastri, who had led for much of the campaign, admitted he would emerge stronger the experience. "Obviously I would have wanted a slightly different ending," Piastri said. "However I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself as a driver and off the track... In the end there’s a little bit of disappointment but I think I can be extremely pleased."