Lewis Hamilton’s six-word message to Lando Norris overheard after F1 title triumph | F1 | Sport
Lewis Hamilton was overheard sending a six-word message to Lando Norris after the McLaren star claimed his maiden F1 world title on Sunday. Norris produced an impressive drive in Abu Dhabi to finish the Grand Prix in third, a position that ensured he took the championship honours ahead of race winner Max Verstappen.
Norris and his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri appeared to be in a two-way battle for the title earlier in the season as they moved well clear of their closest rivals, with the Australian initially enjoying the upper hand on his team-mate. Verstappen fought back as Norris moved into the lead at the top of the pecking order. And the season ultimately hinged on the final race of the campaign, with Norris securing the points he needed to clinch silverware.
Hamilton, who swapped Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of this season, made his name in F1 during his time with McLaren and won the first of his seven titles with the Woking-based team.
And the 40-year-old was quick to extol Norris after the conclusion of Sunday’s race as he simply explained to the champion: “So happy for you… told you.”
Norris was clearly delighted with Hamilton’s praise and replied: “I know, appreciate the words.”
Hamilton has endured a tough year on the track and went through the entire season without claiming a single podium finish.
The veteran especially struggled during qualifying and started Sunday’s race from P16 before producing a strong drive to finish in eighth. That result left Hamilton in sixth position in the overall season standings, with his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finishing one place and 84 points ahead of him.
But Hamilton didn’t allow his own underwhelming season to dampen his support for Norris following the conclusion of the final Grand Prix of 2025.
And after the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, he spoke about the new champion as he explained: “I’m really, really happy for him. Winning your first world championship is truly special. The UK continues to pump out great drivers.
“I know what the feeling is also when you’re coming into this race and fighting for your first championship, it’s nerve-wracking. I’m just really proud of him.”
And Hamilton added: “Before the weekend I just told him what he’s been doing works, so don’t change anything. And I guess that’s what he did.”
Norris broke down in tears after winning the title before celebrating his victory with his girlfriend at an afterparty. He was also congratulated by British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer.
