Lando Norris was crowned Formula 1 world champion for the first time in his career on Sunday. The British driver with Belgian roots secured the title with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After years of near-misses, Lando Norris has finally sealed his long-awaited place at the top of Formula 1. “It has been a long journey,” he said after the race. “I want to thank everyone at McLaren, my parents, everyone who has supported me from the start.”

Although he was born and raised in the United Kingdom, Norris also holds Belgian citizenship, as his mother is from Sint-Niklaas. During his childhood, he travelled to Flanders many times to take part in karting competitions and visit his grandparents.

The race victory at Yas Marina went to Max Verstappen, who had dominated the sport for the past four seasons. The Dutchman,who also has a Flemish mother, ultimately finished two points short of a fifth consecutive world title.

Norris is McLaren’s first champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and the thirteenth in its history.

Lando Norris celebrates with his mother. PHOTO © Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP

 

 

#FlandersNewsService | PHOTO © Giuseppe CACACE / AFP