Lando Norris’ first F1 title draws emotional verdicts from George Russell and Alex Albon
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.
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.
"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."
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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.
Photos from Abu Dhabi GP - Race
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