Norris says constructors' title "incredible", but 2025 title is "the goal"

Lando Norris says McLaren winning the constructors' championship "feels incredible" after taking a fine win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It's the first title McLaren have won since 1998, and thanks to Norris' victory, the British team are back to winning Formula 1 world titles.

After Oscar Piastri tumbled down the field due to a lap 1 collision with Max Verstappen, plus a ten-second penalty due to an incident with Franco Colapinto, all the hopes for McLaren sealing their first constructors' title in 26 years were on the Brit. However, he did not later, leading from start to finish and controlling the race with great consistency and pace.

He came under a bit of pressure from the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with the latter coming from P19 to finish on the podium. However, the second phase race pace, which has been fantastic from the papaya-coloured team all season, led Norris to a fine victory, sealing the title for his time, as well as P2 in the drivers' championship.

Norris happy with team title, but aims for drivers' title next year

Speaking with Nico Rosberg in the post-Grand Prix press conference, Norris was extremely happy to bring constructors' championship glory to McLaren: "It feels incredible. Not for myself but for the whole team. They have done an amazing job from where we were at the beginning. I'm so proud of everyone.

"It's been a lovely journey. To end the season like this is perfect. For us to win the Constructors' Championship after 26 years is pretty special. We are going to celebrate. This is a historic moment for the team. It's going to be a good night!"

Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, then asked the Brit if he has the 2025 world championship on his mind for next year: "This is my goal, our goal as a team. We want to win the Constructors and Drivers' next year. I made my mistakes this year but I learned a lot and learned a lot from Max and my competitors around me. As much as I'm happy now, I'm excited to get next year going."