F1: Lando Norris makes history, as Verstappen claims Pyrrhic victory

There was no drama, there was no surprise. By winning the third place in Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris kept the top spot in the F1 overall ranking and became the champion for the first time in his career! At the same time, the Englishman dethroned the four-time consecutive champion Max Verstappen, whose triumph in the UAE capital turned out to be a Pyrrhic victory.

The 26-year-old brought the first triumph to McLaren in 17 years, becoming their first champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. In the end, Norris collected 423 points in 24 races - two more than the Dutchman - while Oscar Piastri finished third overall.

For the first time in 15 years, more than two drivers were in contention for the title, but luck was on Norris' side today. Verstappen delivered an impeccable performance, recording his 71st career win, and Piastri took the second spot in Abu Dhabi, but it was enough for neither to overtake the new champion in the standings.

Still, the race wasn't a walk in the park for Norris, as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc put immense pressure on him in the battle for the third position, but the Englishman didn't succumb.

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Leclerc ultimately finished fourth, while the remaining points-scoring positions went to George Russell (Mercedes), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Esteban Ocon (Haas F1 Team), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team), and Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber).

This way, Norris became the 11th different F1 champion from Great Britain, and the first since Hamilton's last triumph five years ago.