• Lando Norris wins his first Formula 1 title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Max Verstappen wins the race but finishes second in the championship standings.
• Norris edges Verstappen by just two points in a thrilling season finale.
• McLaren secures its first drivers’ championship since 2008 and first double title since 1998.
• Norris becomes the first British champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020.

McLaren's Lando Norris celebrated his first Formula One championship on December 7 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third but clinching the title by just two points over Max Verstappen, who won the race. Norris concluded the season with 423 points, while Verstappen ended with 421 and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri collected 410 points, completing an exciting championship showdown among three contenders, according to Reuters, Times of India, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

Norris, now Britain's 11th Formula One world champion, expressed his joy and relief after crossing the finish line, stating, "Thank you guys. You made a kid's dream come true," in a moment filled with emotion shared with his team. The victory marks a significant achievement for McLaren, as they also secured the constructors’ championship earlier in the season, making this the team's first championship double since 1998, according to Le Monde, Dawn, and NPR.

Throughout the race, Verstappen dominated early from pole position and ultimately secured his eighth victory of the season. However, strategic decisions by the McLaren team and Norris's solid defense allowed him to maintain his championship lead despite the pressure and challenges posed by both Verstappen and Piastri, according to Channel News Asia, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

Despite Verstappen’s impressive race performance, he needed Norris to finish poorly for any chance at the championship. Norris's strategic driving, including effective tire management and crucial overtaking maneuvers, enabled him to secure enough points to take the title. His emotional celebration was reflective of the intense season he endured, placing emphasis on teamwork and gratitude for McLaren’s support throughout his career, as detailed by Le Monde and NPR.