Lando Norris celebrated his first Formula 1 World Championship on Sunday, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign with a tense third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, won by Red Bull’s Verstappen.

Verstappen claimed the season finale, securing eight victories overall, but McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second, crossing the line 12.5 seconds behind the Dutchman.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc came home fourth, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell in fifth and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in sixth. Haas driver Esteban Ocon finished seventh, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in eighth—a career-low season for the 40-year-old following his switch to Ferrari. Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg marked his 250th race in ninth, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll completed the top 10.

An emotional Norris admitted the moment had overwhelmed him. “I’ve not cried in a while. I didn’t think I would cry, but I did,” he said post-race, having also shed tears inside his helmet. “It feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like a little bit. I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors this season. It’s been a pleasure to race against both of them. I’ve learned a lot from both.”

In a touching show of sportsmanship, Norris’s mother, Cisca, gave Piastri a consoling hug, while both Verstappen and the Australian driver congratulated the new champion.

Verstappen was denied a fifth consecutive title—a feat only achieved previously by Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher. Norris, Britain’s 11th Formula 1 world champion, finished the season on 423 points, with Verstappen on 421 and Piastri third on 410.

McLaren, who secured the Constructors’ Championship in October for the second consecutive year, claimed both titles in the same season for the first time since 1998.