Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty
McLaren driver Lando Norris claimed that the 2025 season was going to be his "year" after leading the Woking-based outfit to the Constructors' Championship at the end of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The British driver led the race at the Yas Marina circuit on Sunday evening from start to finish and held off the challenge from the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
The four-time race winner did not make any mistakes throughout the race despite his teammate Oscar Piastri spinning into Turn 1 of the opening lap. He also confirmed his status as the runner-up for the 2024 season as he finished 18 points ahead of Leclerc in the Drivers' standings.
However, on his team radio, Lando Norris was exuberant in his celebrations and laid down the marker for 2025 as he boldly proclaimed:
"Wooo! Papaya on top. Congrats to everyone, incredible. Well done everyone, so proud of you all. You all deserve this. Thank you so much. It's been a special year. Next year is going to be my year too."
