The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivered a stunning championship climax, but the spotlight wasn’t solely on Max Verstappen’s victory. Lando Norris, with a calculated third-place finish, secured his first Drivers’ Championship – a moment of pure triumph for the young British racer.
The margin of victory was breathtakingly tight, the closest championship battle since 2008. Just two points separated Norris from Verstappen, a testament to a season of relentless competition and unwavering determination. Norris’s achievement marks him as the 11th Briton to claim the coveted title, adding another chapter to the nation’s rich motorsport history.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion himself, was quick to offer his heartfelt congratulations. He spoke of the unique pressure and exhilaration of fighting for a first championship, acknowledging the nerve-wracking experience Norris had just overcome. Hamilton’s words resonated with genuine pride for his fellow countryman’s accomplishment.
Before the decisive race, Hamilton shared a simple, yet powerful, piece of advice with Norris: “What you’ve been doing works, don’t change anything.” It was a testament to Hamilton’s belief in Norris’s talent and approach, a quiet confidence that clearly paid off. Norris, it seemed, had already found the winning formula.
The weekend, however, was a stark contrast to celebration for Hamilton. An eighth-place finish left him a distant 86 points behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. Disappointment was visible, hinting at a period of reflection as he assesses his challenging debut season with the iconic Italian team.
Former rival Nico Rosberg believes talk of retirement for Hamilton is premature. He described Hamilton’s season as a “nightmare,” acknowledging the frustration of being outperformed by a teammate and struggling to find consistent pace. Rosberg urged Hamilton to rediscover the “magic” that defined his legendary career.
Rosberg pointed to qualifying as Hamilton’s primary struggle, despite flashes of brilliance during the races themselves. He believes a fresh start with a potentially improved car next season could reignite Hamilton’s championship ambitions. The hope, Rosberg insists, remains very much alive.
The sentiment was echoed by fellow Sky Sports analyst Martin Brunt, who expressed surprise at the suggestion of Hamilton’s retirement. Brunt anticipates Hamilton will evaluate Ferrari’s progress in 2026 and assess his own enjoyment before making any definitive decisions. The possibility of a continued, and potentially triumphant, chapter in Hamilton’s career remains firmly on the horizon.
