The two British drivers have historically had a strained relationship

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his delight at Lando Norris claiming the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, making the McLaren driver the first British title winner since Hamilton himself triumphed in 2020.

The seven-time world champion offered warm words for his compatriot despite previous friction between the pair.

Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “I am really happy for him. Winning your first world title is special, and UK continues to pump out talented drivers. I am really proud of him.”

The 40-year-old revealed he had spoken with Norris before the race weekend, urging him to stay true to himself regardless of criticism.

Hamilton added: “I have told him before the weekend, what he has been doing is great, and don’t change it.”

The congratulatory message came despite a strained relationship between the two British drivers in recent years.

Norris had previously made pointed remarks about Hamilton during the seven-time champion’s difficult period in the ground-effect era, which began in 2022.

The McLaren driver was critical of Hamilton when the older Briton struggled to compete at the front of the grid, suggesting his dominant years were behind him.

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his delight at Lando Norris claiming the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship| REUTERS

Hamilton had been virtually unbeatable before the introduction of the current regulations, winning multiple championships with Mercedes.

Norris’s title victory also marks McLaren’s first drivers’ championship since Hamilton won for the Woking-based team in 2008.

Hamilton’s maiden campaign with Ferrari proved to be among the most challenging of his illustrious career.

The Briton failed to secure a single podium finish throughout the 2025 season, with fourth-place results at the Emilia Romagna, British, Austrian and United States Grands Prix representing his best performances in main races.

Lando Norris was in tears as he lifted the trophy | GETTY

A sprint race victory in China provided a rare highlight during an otherwise difficult year.

Hamilton made no secret of his frustration with the current generation of machinery.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi weekend, he said: “There’s not a single thing I’ll miss about these cars.”

“It is as simple as that. I have not enjoyed it.”

Lando Norris embraced his model girlfriend Magui Corceiro after becoming Formula One world champion | GETTY

The Ferrari driver intends to vanish entirely during the upcoming winter break, taking a more extreme approach than in previous years.

After finishing eighth at Yas Marina, Hamilton explained: “At the moment, I’m only looking forward to the break. Just disconnecting, not speaking to anyone. No one’s going to be able to get a hold of me this winter. I won’t have my phone with me. I’m looking forward to that. Just completely unplugged from the matrix.”

When asked whether he had adopted such measures before, Hamilton confirmed this would be unprecedented.

He said: “Not particularly. No, I’ve generally always had it around, but this time it’s going in the fricking bin.”

The 40-year-old also expressed his eagerness to escape the constant demands of photoshoots and media obligations that accompany his role.