Lando Norris proved you can be world champion being a ‘nice guy’ and not ‘ruthless’: Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz feels Lando Norris winning the Formula 1 2025 Drivers’ Championship proves that one can win a title “being a nice guy” rather than “ruthless or badass”. The 26-year-old Lando Norris led McLaren to their first drivers’ title since 2008 by winning the crown at the last race in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Lando Norris finished third in the race, but successfully overcame a late challenge by Abu Dhabi GP winner Max Verstappen to break the Dutchman’s four-time winning streak.

One of the highlights of Lando Norris’ victory has been his refusal to indulge in mind games and aggressive media talks. The British racing driver had consistently said during the title race that he would want to win the championship in his own way and would not say things just to invoke a controversy.

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Sainz hails ’nice guy’ Norris

Norris’ former teammate Sainz, who now races for Williams, hailed the McLaren driver for winning the title on his own terms – staying positive and frank.

“Very happy for him as a driver because he’s always been an extremely quick driver, quicker than what people give him credit for, extremely talented,” Sainz told Sky Sports F1.

“The first years at McLaren, I saw a guy who had the speed to be multiple world champion if it was purely down to speed.

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“Along the way, he’s developed his skills a lot and now he’s a world champion.

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“More than anything, I’m happy for him as a person because he’s a driver that doesn’t follow the typical stereotypes of a world champion, he’s always stayed true to himself, very honest, very open about his own struggles and proven to everyone you can be world champion being a nice guy, or don’t have to be ruthless or badass.

“Happy for him, I hope he stays the same, it doesn’t get in his head that he’s world champion and he keeps being himself, or even if he relaxes more, and can enjoy F1 more.”

Seven-time world champion and fellow British driver, Lewis Hamilton, also congratulated Norris on winning his first championship.

“Winning your first world championship is truly special. UK continues to pump out great drivers,” the Ferrari driver said.

“I know what the feeling is also when you’re coming into this race and fighting for your first championship, it’s nerve-wracking.”