🔗 Share this article The McLaren driver Reveals Satisfaction in Claiming Maiden F1 Title On His Own Terms. Lando Norris has declared he is deeply satisfied of the approach in which he clinched his inaugural Formula One world championship, stressing after a heartfelt victory lap with his team and family that he was happy to have succeeded "his way". Norris underscored that he believes he competed cleanly and without excessive aggression, a strategy for which he has faced criticism for not displaying the much-discussed "killer instinct". Norris argues that securing the title proves such an mentality is not essential. Norris wrapped up the championship with a P3 finish at the season finale, beating his rival from Red Bull by a mere two points. The Dutch driver took the checkered flag but could not erase the lead Norris held entering the last race. "This is an aspect that makes me most proud," he commented. "I feel like I have just been able to secure it the way I aimed to, which was without becoming someone I’m not." He elaborated, "Choosing not to be as aggressive as Max or as forceful as other champions might have been historically, I’m content. 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, although he seemed calm, the closing moments were incredibly tense. "I was composed until the very end, then I started to shake a little bit," he said. "Seeing the team when I crossed the line is a moment that I’ll never forget." A Remarkable Comeback Norris's path to the title involved a stunning comeback from being far adrift of his teammate in the summer. A DNF in the Dutch Grand Prix became a key turning point. "I was like: ‘Oh, shoot. I’m quite a long way behind against a seriously quick driver, and I’ve got to step it up,’" Norris explained. "I got to be more myself because of external factors, working with more professionals in different areas to fully realize my potential." Competitors' Responses Max Verstappen: No Regrets The reigning champion took only positives from his team's performances, having mounted a comeback from a 104‑point deficit. Verstappen felt they had done everything possible against a McLaren that was the superior package. "Yes, absolutely, I have no regrets about my season," he said. "Our pace has been impressive. I’ve struggled with this car at times, but I’ve also excelled in it at times." Yet, the Dutchman responded tersely when questioned about a controversial incident at the Spanish GP where a time punishment cost him critical points. "People overlook all the other events that happened," he retorted. "A championship is won over 24 rounds... I have also had a lot of lucky breaks come my way." The Runner-Up's Reflection A clearly disappointed Oscar Piastri, who was in front for much of the campaign, admitted he would learn from the experience. "Obviously I would have wanted a different ending," Piastri said. "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."