Norris sets sights on Verstappen’s title reign

Lando Norris plans to end Max Verstappen’s four-year reign as world champion next year after clinching the constructors’ championship for McLaren in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Briton, who said he planned to “get absolutely hammered” with team boss Zak Brown at a celebratory party, declared McLaren’s triumph was “an historic moment for the team”. 

“Me, and Zak, said already we are going to get absolutely hammered tonight so I’m excited — we are going to celebrate!

“This is an historic moment for the team. They are going to want to celebrate and I’m going to want to celebrate so it’s going to be a good night.

“It’s my goal and our goal to win a drivers’ next year, I’ve made my mistakes this year, but I’ve learned a lot and I’ve learned a lot from Max and my competitors around me so, as much as I’m happy now, I’m excited to get next year going.”

He said he was proud of the progress that McLaren had made this year to improve from challengers to champions. 

“It feels incredible, not for myself, but for the whole team. They’ve done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning.

“I am so proud of everyone. It’s been a lovely journey and to end the season like this is perfect. 

“Congrats and a big thank you to everyone at McLaren, everyone in papaya, everyone who has supported us this year.

“It’s been a tough one and for us to win a constructors’ after 26 years is pretty special.”