What happened after LANDO NORRIS WON the F1 CHAMPIONSHIP?

How the celebration began

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended with Lando Norris crowned as the 35th F1 World Drivers Champion. From the moment he climbed out of his McLaren in the early evening he wore the expression of someone who had just stepped into history: relief, disbelief and a very human joy. He stood on his car, watched the fireworks and let the moment sink in. Tears blurred the lights. Family and team members gathered below, and the emotion was contagious.

That single third place finish was enough to seal the title. On the podium he lifted the third place trophy while a sea of fans roared beneath him. Instead of traditional champagne it was rosewater sprayed around the top step — less bubbly but still surprisingly sharp in the eyes. After the other two drivers left, he remained, soaking up the crowd and pumping his fist in the air.

Podium rituals and the trophy story

There are always a few procedural curiosities after a championship is decided. The official World Drivers Championship trophy is only presented later at the FIA’s annual dinner, this year in Tashkent on Friday. And the physical trophy does not stay with the driver long term; it returns to McLaren’s headquarters for the archive.

Below the podium, Lando’s extended family clustered together: parents, siblings, partners and his two managers. Hugs and kisses were passed around in a scene that felt intimate despite the enormity of the moment. It is easy to forget how many people share a driver’s journey until the confetti settles and the group photos are taken.

Media marathon: from the pen to the press room

Winning a title brings extra questions and extra time in front of cameras. After the podium the media pen became a hive of interviews. Lando spent a long time talking to broadcasters and press — long enough that Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri had already finished the press conference and left an empty seat waiting for him.

He only arrived in the press room well after 8 p.m., giving him the rare luxury of a whole seat to himself. Later, pit lane turned into a scrum for the team celebration shot. Ten minutes of posing and hugging can feel like an hour when photographers are jostling for the critical frame. Those chaotic minutes are often where the best candid moments are captured.

Backstage: hospitality, private moments and a favourite photo

After the public appearances, there was a quieter celebration in the hospitality suite. Private time with family and crew is when the reality of a season’s work is processed. As a photographer watching the ebb and flow, editing the images in that window felt like stitching the story together.

One image from that evening stands out — a photograph that will appear on the cover of the Best of 2025 photobooks. It captures the mix of exhaustion and elation better than words can. Print still matters; these physical pieces will sit on coffee tables and remind people of how the season felt, not just how it looked.

Pre-race calm, pep talks and a bit of mischief

Earlier in the day the mood was very different. There were quiet moments of concentration — Lando sitting with headphones, absorbing a pep talk from his race engineer Will Joseph. Small rituals like that can reset a driver’s mindset for the biggest night of the year.

And the paddock had its playful side. Fernando Alonso spent time giving neck massages to the top title contenders during the group photo and then playfully dripped water over them from the flatbed truck. Racing is intense, but these human moments show the lighter side of the sport, even on a day that decides a champion.

Characters of the day: Bottas, Piastri family and unexpected guests

The paddock is a theatre of characters. Valtteri Bottas was in a mischievous mood, sprawling himself in front of team photos and photobombing shots just for fun. It is the kind of dry humor that keeps long race weekends bearable.

There was also a mini-drama over guest passes for Oscar Piastri’s family. Each driver receives two green passes and getting extra seats required some negotiation. McLaren had none to spare, FOM could not help, and it was ultimately the FIA that stepped in to provide the necessary access. Small logistical acts like these are often overlooked but mean everything to families who want to share the moment.

Fans, food and the Abu Dhabi experience

Abu Dhabi remains one of the best spectacles on the calendar. Technically it is a dusk race — starting at 5 p.m. and finishing as night settles — which makes for spectacular photos and a charged atmosphere. But with spectacle comes cost.

Food and drinks in the fan zones come at a premium: chicken nuggets and chips were around $19, margherita pizza $16, gelato $13.50, soft drinks $5.50 and a pint of beer $16. Parking and accommodation can be eye-watering. The W Hotel that spans the track reportedly listed last-minute three night stays near $20,000 USD. And a single-day parking spot at that property can reach the $640 to $700 mark. The trade off is a unique atmosphere that turns the circuit into a festival every year.

What comes next for the champion

There are formalities still to come. The official trophy presentation in Tashkent is scheduled for Friday and then a bit of rest is on the calendar — a ski break to decompress. As for repeating the feat next year, predicting a back-to-back is tough. A brand new set of regulations can reshuffle the pecking order overnight.

There are whispers about future title contenders; some people point to drivers like George Russell. For now the focus is on savoring the moment. A signed mini-helmet now sits alongside another signed helmet from a previous world champion — small tokens that mark the passage of eras.

Closing thoughts

Seeing a career milestone from start to finish is a reminder of what sport does best: it condenses years of work into a few unforgettable moments. The podium is the highlight, but the long press sessions, the private embraces, the late-night celebrations and the small acts of kindness are what make the story complete.

Stay passionate. Definitely in focus.

Frequently asked questions

When will Lando Norris receive the official World Drivers Championship trophy?

The trophy will be presented at the FIA annual dinner in Tashkent on Friday. The podium celebration features the race trophies, while the official title trophy is reserved for the formal presentation.

Does the driver keep the World Drivers Championship trophy?

The official trophy does not stay permanently with the driver. The one presented at the FIA event is ceremonial; the championship trophy is returned to the team and archived at McLaren’s headquarters.

Who attended the celebration with Lando?

His extended family was present: parents, siblings, partners, plus his managers and close members of the McLaren crew. Team personnel, rival drivers and several paddock personalities also joined the celebrations.

What happened with Oscar Piastri’s family access?

Each driver gets two green passes, and additional passes had to be requested. McLaren and FOM could not provide extras, so the FIA ultimately supplied the passes needed for Oscar’s close family to attend the celebration.

What immediate plans are scheduled for Lando after the title?

He will attend the Tashkent presentation on Friday and then take a short break, including a skiing trip. Competitive planning for the next season will follow as teams and drivers prepare for a new set of regulations.