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Lando Norris has declared he is deeply satisfied of the manner in which he won his first-ever Formula One world championship, emphasizing after emotional celebrations with his McLaren squad and family that he was happy to have triumphed "in his own style".

The champion highlighted that he feels he raced cleanly and without excessive aggression, a strategy for which he has faced criticism for lacking the often-praised "ruthless edge". He maintains that securing the championship demonstrates such an approach is not essential.

Norris secured the title with a third-place finish at the season finale, edging out his rival from Red Bull by a mere two points. Verstappen took the checkered flag but could not erase the 12-point advantage the McLaren driver held going into the last race.

"That's one of the things that makes me most proud," Norris said. "I feel like I have just been able to secure it the way I wanted to, which was without becoming someone I’m not."

Norris added, "Not trying to be as combative as Max or as assertive as other title-winners might have been historically, I’m happy. I just won it my way – by being a sportsmanlike driver, by trying to be an honest driver."

Nerve-Wracking Finale

Norris also conceded that, despite appearances, the final laps were nerve-jangling.

"I was composed until three corners to go, then I began to tremble a bit," he recalled. "Then I got to see the team after taking the flag is a moment that I’ll always remember."

A Remarkable Comeback

Norris's path to the championship involved a remarkable recovery from being 34 points behind of his teammate in August. A DNF in Zandvoort became a major catalyst.

"I thought: ‘Oh, shoot. I’m in a deep hole against a pretty freaking fast driver, and I’ve got to raise my game,’" he revealed. "I had to become more myself because of external factors, working with more professionals in various fields to unlock more of my potential."

Competitors' Responses

The Red Bull Driver's View

The reigning champion focused on the good from his team's season, having mounted a comeback from a 104‑point deficit. Verstappen felt they had done everything possible against a McLaren that was often the faster package.

"Yeah, I think so, I have zero regrets about my season," he said. "Our pace has been impressive. I’ve hated this car at times, but I’ve also loved it at times."

Yet, the driver reacted testily when questioned about a contentious moment at the Barcelona race where a time punishment lost him valuable points.

"You forget all the other events that happened," he retorted. "The title is won over 24 rounds... I have also had a lot of early Christmas presents come my way."

Oscar Piastri: Lessons Learned

The visibly dejected Oscar Piastri, who had led for much of the campaign, admitted he would learn from the experience.

"Obviously I would have wished for a different ending," he stated. "But I think this year I’ve learned an enormous amount about myself behind the wheel and off the track... In the end there’s a little bit of disappointment but I think I can be extremely pleased."