F1 drivers reacts with emotional messages after Lando Norris’ dramatic title win

George Russell, Alex Albon, Nico Rosberg and the rest of the paddock paid heartfelt tribute to Lando Norris after his tense Abu Dhabi podium sealed a first Formula 1 world title

Lando Norris has been crowned Formula 1 world champion for the first time after securing a podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This has unsurprisingly prompted warm praise from his fellow drivers on the grid, with long-term rival and friend George Russell starting the trend.

Norris wrapped up the title at Yas Marina after a tense long race from the first corner. With his team-mate Oscar Piastri overtaking the Briton at the beginning of the race, strong driving from Norris made sure he stayed within the top three, pulling away from the surging Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc in the last stint of the race.

With a stronger and more consistent second half of the season, he was able to beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen to the championship by just two points.

For many in the paddock, his success started in karting across Europe, with several drivers joining him as they all fought for a place in the championship.

George Russell

"No, I'm really happy for him. Honestly, maybe when I was a bit younger and not as mature I think you'd be envy of sort of a rival and fellow countryman to win, but honestly I think the older we get you recognise how difficult it is to sustain a certain level in this sport.

"We never know when our opportunity was going to come. I'm sure he wasn't aware his chance was going to be this year and this second half of the year, especially he's driven really incredibly, so I'm happy for him and I think he deserves it."

When asked if he planned to party with Norris to celebrate the title, Russell added:

"No, to be honest. But yeah, he should enjoy the moment."

Fernando Alonso

"Lando, all three of them, you know, they drove amazingly well this year. And even now, with extra pressure in the last race, they qualified in the top three, they finished in the top three, so they still deliver the job.

"All three are world champions. Only one can win. This time was Lando. So yeah, congratulations to him. He has to enjoy now, you dream to become Formula 1 driver eventually, and then to win the championship that arrived for him, and I hope he enjoys it and well-deserved it."

Alex Albon

"Yeah, very happy for him. It's great to see him showing his emotions on the world stage. I think he answered a lot of critics and I feel like he took a step. At the end of the year he rose under the pressure and he deserves every moment of this.

"He had quite a lot of bad luck actually, both McLaren's but particularly Lando's. He's done it in great style and I'm sure that's a lot of pressure off his shoulders. It's going to be a big night tonight, that's for sure."

Will Albon be joining him?

"I'm literally going to spend dinner with my family and go to bed."

He continued: "It's weird isn't it? It doesn't feel real. It feels like just your friends on the big stage. I guess we don't look at each other like fans may do. You're just happy as a friend more than you are as anything else.

"Clearly it's a dream for all of us to be an F1 world champion. I think we're all so happy for Lando. Hopefully everyone else gets a chance as well."

This article will be updated with more reactions.

Nico Rosberg

"Yes, absolutely great, a well-deserved world champion. And Lando proved it again today, the whole weekend.

"Under this immense pressure, he made no mistakes, he delivered. Drove a perfect weekend — sensational and fantastic. And I really feel it with him.
All the memories are coming back for me. That’s why I’m smiling so much — because I totally feel his emotions, and seeing his parents, and everything."

To what extent will it change Norris's life?

"It definitely affects your life, of course, being world champion. And I think it also gives you that next level of self-confidence. Because you’ve proven it — you’ve checked off that you have what it takes to be world champion.

"No one can ever take that away from you. So that really is another step in self-confidence. Maybe we’ll see an even stronger Lando Norris next year.

Esteban Ocon

"Amazing three-way battle. I think they all deserve a lot this year. They were fighting until the end. We had an amazing show for that last race. There has to be only one champion and well done to Lando. I think he definitely deserves what he gets today. I'm super proud for him. I hope that he survives tonight's party."

Pierre Gasly

"It was a tough battle. I think all three kind of deserve to be up there. You need one champion. There's always only one champion. I think for Formula 1, it's pretty incredible to have a title decided by two points. It's pretty amazing for the sport and for the fans out there. In the end, it's a massive moment for his career. A big congratulations to Lando."