Lando Norris credited the counsel of MotoGP champion Casey Stoner and F1 legend Sebastian Vettel as pivotal factors in his achievement of the Formula 1 world championship. Securing his first title following a dramatic conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris overcame tight competition and emphasized the value of trusted advice on his journey, reflecting the importance of MotoGP champion Casey Stoner advice in his success.
The 26-year-old British driver clinched the championship in Abu Dhabi, finishing third in a race that determined the season’s outcome. Norris edged out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by only two points and finished 13 points ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, capping an intense 24-race season defined by close rivalries and strategic pressure.
Norris revealed that four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel and two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner reached out to him at crucial moments, lending wisdom and support. The championship race remained undecided until the final round, intensifying the emotional stakes for drivers, teams, and fans alike.
“I’ve had some great words and great text messages and conversations with some incredible people, people that have won World Championships in different sports, Lewis and others like Seb. A lot of people don’t know I speak to Seb about things,”
—Lando Norris, Driver
Stoner’s encouragement arrived at the point Norris needed it most, offering personal inspiration during high-pressure periods. Norris credited these communications for helping maintain his belief and resolve as the championship reached its climax, underlining the influence that mentors can have even from a distance.
“When you win the championship by two points, I would certainly say having these moments of faith from others around me got me those two points. And therefore, that’s why I’ve got to thank everyone around me because two points is also what you need.”
—Lando Norris, Driver
In addition to Stoner and Vettel, Norris received valuable input from seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. This camaraderie among champions bridged sports disciplines and generations, highlighting how high-performance athletes turn to experienced peers during decisive moments.
Norris Overcomes Setbacks to Chase the Title
Earlier in the season, Norris faced significant adversity, especially after a costly retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. The setback left him trailing Oscar Piastri by 34 points with only nine races remaining, forcing Norris to elevate every aspect of his performance to keep his title ambitions alive.
“I certainly thought my life was extremely difficult, and it was from that point onward,”
—Lando Norris, Driver
Determined to reverse his deficit, Norris embarked on an impressive run, scoring consistently and outperforming both teammates and rivals. Each race required relentless focus—not only in competition but also in preparation, with rigorous effort from engineers, support staff, and the driver’s own commitment to self-improvement.
Norris described the necessity of winning frequently and surpassing competitors, both on the track and in simulated environments. He underscored the invisible yet essential work of his team, which included deeper analysis and greater collaboration to maximize every marginal gain as the season progressed.
Throughout the closing rounds, the impact of teamwork and incremental progress became more evident. The group supporting Norris worked extensively to ensure not only mechanical reliability and optimal strategy, but also mental resilience and confidence as the pressure mounted.
“All of that work paid off and that’s what made me so happy at that time, was like, damn, I’m actually doing it, I’m doing what I needed to do. Because one thing is just thinking it or believing it, the next thing is actually going out and doing it. That was my job and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the people around me.”
—Lando Norris, Driver
The Broader Impact of a Breakthrough Victory
Norris’s championship victory highlighted the power of perseverance, external guidance, and collective effort within a high-pressure sporting environment. With advice from champions across motorsport, including Casey Stoner and Sebastian Vettel, Norris not only achieved personal glory but also inspired teammates and fans.
The season’s conclusion in Abu Dhabi demonstrated how narrow margins and decisive moments can define careers in Formula 1. With his first world title secured against heavyweight competitors like Max Verstappen and under the guidance of seasoned mentors, Norris is now poised as a central figure in the sport’s ongoing narrative, setting the stage for new rivalries and achievements in seasons to come.
