Adam Norris Fires Subtle Shot at Verstappen After His Son Claims 2025 F1 Title
Lando Norris’ historic triumph at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has naturally placed him in the centre of global attention, but his father, Adam Norris, added an extra layer of drama with a pointed remark directed at Max Verstappen. While praising his son’s achievement, Adam slipped in a subtle dig at the Dutchman’s failure to clinch a fifth consecutive championship, a comment that has stirred conversation in the F1 paddock.
Lando Norris secured the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship by finishing third at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. It was a strategic and composed drive: he simply needed a podium to outscore Verstappen, who entered the final race two points behind. Verstappen did everything in his power by winning the race at Yas Marina, yet it wasn’t enough to take the crown. Norris’ consistency over the season ultimately proved decisive.
For much of 2025, the F1 world has been engrossed in McLaren’s strong resurgence, often referred to as the “papaya takeover.” Their impressive upgrades, clever strategy calls and driver performance kept them competitive against the ever-dominant Red Bull. However, critics frequently highlighted McLaren’s occasional errors, which opened the door for Verstappen to creep back into the title battle. Despite this, Norris maintained a steady hand through the pressure-packed season.
Adam Norris believes that while debates about mistakes and controversy will linger temporarily, they will soon fade as fans focus on the bigger picture — the identity of the champion. In a conversation with F1 TV in Abu Dhabi, Adam delivered a line that many interpret as a jab at Verstappen’s runner-up finish.
He commented:
“I’m trying to think… I don’t remember who came second in past championships. Maybe there were issues like illness, DNFs or engine problems, but people don’t really remember that. They remember the winner.”
The statement was subtle but sharp, implying that despite Verstappen’s immense effort and race win in Abu Dhabi, history tends to overlook second place, no matter how close the battle was. For Adam Norris, the only thing that stands the test of time is the championship winner — in this case, his son.
—
What Comes Next for the New World Champion?
Lando Norris wasted no time celebrating his long-awaited title. The moment the championship was secured, he launched into a night of memorable festivities in Abu Dhabi. His Instagram post the following morning, humorously captioned “A lifetime of work went into this hangover,” summed up the relief, excitement, and overwhelming emotion of the achievement.
But the celebrations marked just the beginning of a new chapter.
One of the first major announcements after securing the championship was Norris’ decision to switch his racing number from the familiar ‘4’ to the prestigious ‘1’ for the 2026 season. This marks the first time in his career that he will race with the number reserved exclusively for the reigning world champion. It’s a symbolic stamp of his rise to the top of Formula 1, signalling that he now stands among the elite.
Interestingly, Norris didn’t take a break after winning the title. Just two days after the race, he returned to the track for the Pirelli 2026 tyre test at Yas Marina. While the test was primarily technical, symbolically it represented the beginning of the next phase of his career — defending the championship.
There was one noticeable change during the test session: Norris swapped his signature neon green helmet for a shiny gold design, celebrating his new status as world champion. It was a visual reminder of how far he has come since his debut in 2019, marking a moment he had dreamt about for years.
—
A Season That Will Be Remembered
The 2025 F1 season will likely go down as one of the most memorable of the decade. It featured intense battles, rapid development races between top teams, unexpected twists, and a championship fight that went right down to the last race.
Lando Norris’ breakthrough title marks a major shift in Formula 1’s competitive landscape. Verstappen’s dominance has finally been halted, and McLaren has re-established itself as a genuine championship force.
Adam Norris’ cheeky remark only adds to the storyline — a reminder that in F1, rivalries extend beyond the track, forming part of the sport’s passion and drama.
