By Joe Murphy
Lando Norris became a Formula 1 World Champion after crossing the line 3rd in Abu Dhabi, which was all he needed to do.
Max Verstappen closed the door in turn one and never looked like conceding the net lead. Piastri, despite being on Hard marked tyres, overtook Norris to take second, whilst Charles Leclerc nipped at Lando’s heels in 4th.
In truth, after Leclerc failed to overtake Lando in the opening laps, the McLaren man coated home to 3rd, doing all he needed to do. Verstappen raced well and won comfortably, but his efforts were in vain as the Dutchman finished just two points short of Norris’ 423 total. Piastri, consoled by Norris’ family after the race, had to settle for P3 in the standings a further 11 points back, despite leading the championship the longest of all three contenders.
Lewis Hamilton saved face with a strong last outing in what has been a torrid and year, whilst Mercedes will also want to put this race behind them after George Russell could only manage a distant sixth and teammate Kimi Antonelli failed to score points.
It’s a goodbye to Sauber and DRS and a hello to Cadillac and new regulations once Formula 1 comes back from its winter break.
What is for sure is that Lando Norris has etched his name into history and McLaren folklore.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 