YEARENDER-Racing: Norris steps up as a fresh champion for Formula One's new era

LONDON — Lando Norris stepped up as a first-time world champion in 2025, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign and ushering Formula One into a new era.

Whether the McLaren driver can repeat the feat remains a major question.

The 26-year-old Briton’s title did not come easily, as he fulfilled a lifelong dream in a rollercoaster season marked by highs and lows, with victories often accompanied by mistakes and misfortune in a tightly contested three-way battle.

Even while celebrating his championship win — finishing two points ahead of Red Bull’s Verstappen and 13 clear of Australian teammate Oscar Piastri — Norris acknowledged the achievement could prove a one-off.

Formula One, set to expand to 11 teams with the arrival of Cadillac, faces a major reset next year with a new generation of engines and the biggest technical overhaul in decades.

While the traditional front-runners are expected to remain competitive, there is widespread uncertainty over who will lead the pack in 2026.

McLaren’s First Title Double Since 1998

“It could be my only opportunity in my life to do something like this,” Norris said of running the champion’s number one on his car next season.

“I have a lot of faith in my team, and we’ve achieved a lot together over the last few years. I’m confident we’ll achieve even more, but Formula One is unpredictable. You never know how much things can change.”

McLaren secured their second consecutive constructors’ championship this season and completed their first drivers’ and teams’ title double since 1998.

Although Norris and Piastri were the only drivers to lead the standings during the campaign, and the Briton emerged as a deserving champion, Verstappen delivered several standout performances in what became one of the sport’s great comeback seasons in its 75-year history.

“Championships are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes the best driver does not win the title,” said Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion who famously dethroned Ferrari great Michael Schumacher.

Verstappen often operated in a class of his own despite upheaval at Red Bull, which dismissed team principal Christian Horner in July and parted ways with long-time adviser Helmut Marko in December.

The Dutchman recovered from trailing Piastri by 104 points at the end of August to finish the season 11 points ahead, later describing it as probably the best driving of his Formula One career — a notable claim from a driver who won a record 19 of 22 races in 2023.

Verstappen Won More, Piastri Led Longer

Norris did not claim the most wins nor lead the championship for the longest stretch. Verstappen secured eight victories — including the final three races — while Norris and Piastri won seven apiece.

Piastri topped the standings from April through the end of October.

The Australian is expected to return even more determined in 2026 after a breakthrough season that, at one stage, appeared likely to crown him Australia’s first world champion in 45 years.

Mercedes, McLaren’s engine supplier, could also pose a stronger challenge after finishing runners-up with two wins from George Russell. The last major engine regulation change in 2014 triggered an era of dominance for Mercedes, who went on to claim eight straight constructors’ titles.

Ferrari, winless this season and without a championship since 2008, will face mounting pressure to deliver after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton failed to reach the podium in a disappointing first year at Maranello.

Next season will also debut the first Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin, while Verstappen will race a Red Bull powered by the team’s own engine developed in partnership with Ford. Audi is set to replace Sauber as well.

French driver Isack Hadjar will join Verstappen at Red Bull following an impressive rookie campaign with Racing Bulls, highlighted by a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

How the 21-year-old performs alongside Verstappen — his fourth teammate since the end of 2024 — will be one of the key storylines when the new season begins in Australia on March 8. -Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis/Reuters