Lando Norris: F1 CEO Urges New Champion to “Keep Smiling” as He Embraces His Role
December 29, 2025 – Following a thrilling finish to the 2025 Formula 1 season, where Lando Norris clinched his first World Championship title, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has lauded the McLaren driver’s personality and offered advice for navigating the pressures of being a champion. Domenicali believes Norris possesses the unique qualities needed to become a leading figure for the sport, but stressed the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Norris’s historic victory in Abu Dhabi, Domenicali highlighted what sets the 25-year-old apart.”Very positive, young, energetic, with a personality that is different from the others,” he stated.”To truly carry the championship, you need to keep one thing I always tell him: keep smiling. Keep smiling. You need to have positive energy.”
This advice isn’t simply about projecting a cheerful image.Domenicali recognizes the immense obligation that comes with being a World Champion, especially in the age of social media and intense public scrutiny. Norris, he believes, understands this. “They are young, so they are doing an amazing job. They are a role model for a lot of people. So, they need to remember that they are a unique talent.”
The 2025 season wasn’t without it’s challenges for Norris. Early-season errors allowed teammate Oscar Piastri to briefly take the championship lead, adding pressure to an already competitive landscape. A late-season charge from reigning champion Max Verstappen further intensified the battle,pushing Norris to his limits.
Though, Norris demonstrated remarkable resilience, finishing third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - crucially, two points ahead of Verstappen – to secure the title. This ability to perform under pressure, Domenicali suggests, is a key indicator of Norris’s potential.
“He doesn’t need any secrets,” Domenicali added, implying Norris’s natural talent and grounded approach are sufficient for continued success.
The focus now shifts to 2026, and whether Lando Norris can build on this momentum and establish himself as a dominant force in Formula 1, all while keeping that signature smile intact. His success isn’t just a win for McLaren, but a potentially transformative moment for the sport, ushering in a new era led by a driver with a captivating personality and a bright future.
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