Lando Norris makes bold Max Verstappen claim

Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula One World Champion, revealed on Tuesday that beating Max Verstappen is not a newfound source of happiness for him.

McLaren driver emphasised that he does not care about triumphing over the Dutchman by just two points to claim his maiden crown, which also saw him dethrone the four-time champion.

Norris secured the third-place finish he needed at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to take the title, even though Verstappen won the race.

However, he remains unconcerned with the ongoing debates about who is the ‘better’ driver following his success.

He explained that personal happiness and fulfilment are not tied to external competition or comparisons.

"That’s not what makes me happy. I’m not going to wake up tomorrow and think, 'I’m so happy because I beat Max.' I honestly, deep down, don’t care about that. I don’t care if every article asks, 'Do you think he’s better than me?' or 'Is Oscar better?' or whatever it is. It doesn’t matter. I have no interest in that."

Expanding on what brings him happiness, the 11-time Grand Prix winner highlighted the impact his success will have on those closest to him, who have supported him throughout his journey to becoming a Formula 1 world champion.

"I’ve just done what I needed to do to win the world championship. That’s it," he said. "And I’ve made my people happy. That’s all I really care about at the end of the day.

"I’m not going to wake up happy because I can just go and say to myself: 'I’m world champion.' It might make me smile, but that’s not the truth. The truth is: 'My mum’s happy. My dad’s happy. My sisters are happy. My brother’s happy. My friends are happy.' And that’s all I need in my life."