P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris overcame a 34-point deficit after retiring in Zandvoort to become 2025 F1 drivers’ champion.
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner defended Lando Norris against criticism of being an unworthy world champion. Norris ended Max Verstappen’s four consecutive F1 titles by winning a three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi. He became the first British F1 champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 and the first McLaren driver since Hamilton in 2007. Despite initial judgment of being undeserving, Norris was accused of receiving favoritism over teammate Oscar Piastri. Steiner, who also doubted Norris during the season, believes Norris deserved the title for his comeback from a technical failure in the Dutch Grand Prix. He commended Norris for learning from his mistakes and fighting back to become champion.
