Newly crowned Drivers’ Champion Lando Norris was welcomed back to the McLaren Technology Centre on Thursday, following his title triumph at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he gave a speech to the team alongside Team Principal Andrea Stella.

Lando was given a Champion’s welcome on his initial return to the factory on Wednesday, with the team gathering for a guard of honour, before he joined Andrea and the team on the Boulevard a day later to mark the first Drivers’ Championship win for the team since 2008.

The MP4-23, which Lewis Hamilton drove to clinch his Championship 17 years ago, was showcased on the Boulevard next to a showcar of the MCL39 to mark the historic moment.

During speeches to the team, Andrea and Lando thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication. Andrea highlighted how resilient the team have been during the tougher moments of the season. The celebrations concluded with a toast and a video message from McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who extended his gratitude to the team and partners.

Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren Formula 1 Team, said: 

“In 2025, we are Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Champions. Well done, everyone. History is made by a team. I would like to express the full extent of my gratitude to everyone in the team and to our families for their support during this journey.

“I am very proud, not only of the achievements, but also of how we got here. We did it in the McLaren way. The 2025 season will be remembered in Formula 1 also because we had three drivers in contention at the final race of the season - two of whom are McLaren drivers, which is pretty unique in Formula 1. This is something that does not happen often. On top of that, we should not forget that in a sport characterised by eras, we were the ones who succeeded in stopping Verstappen’s dominance, and we did it as a team.

“We will all remember when Oscar and then Lando crossed the line in Abu Dhabi. It’s a moment which will stay in our memory forever. But the full realisation of what we achieved for me came when I returned to the factory and saw the rest of the team members.”

Lando Norris, Driver, McLaren Formula 1 Team, said: 

“It’s unbelievable to be here as a Drivers’ World Champion. It’s been my dream since all those years ago, watching on TV and wondering what it’s like to be there one day, with no idea about what it takes, and what it could mean to everyone, not just to me.

“One of the things that’s most important to me has been the people who helped get us to this point. Whether it’s my family, friends, management, trainer, but also the people who design, create and build the car, my mechanics, and my engineers. What puts a smile on my face is seeing the team’s reaction - that’s my biggest motivation. It means nothing without the people who helped you achieve it.

“Racing alongside Oscar the last three seasons has pushed me a lot more. He’s played a massive part in this. He’s been my teammate, and we’ve helped each other. He’s made the journey better, with an incredible fight right to the very end.

“I would like to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single person in the team. Everyone plays a part in our story. I will remember it for the rest of my life. Here’s to many more.”