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Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula One World Championship race in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Dec. 7″It’s a long journey. It feels amazing. … I’m just crazy happy,” the athlete saidNorris shared a kiss with girlfriend Margarida Corceiro after his win

Lando Norris is the 2025 Formula One champion!

The 26-year-old came in first place ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in the 76th Formula One World Championship final race on Sunday, Dec. 7, marking his first win.

After the champ finished the race, which took place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, he told his team, per NBC News, “I love you guys. Thanks for everything. You deserve it. We did it, guys!”

Later speaking to reporters, Norris said, “It’s a long journey. It feels amazing. … I’m just crazy happy.”

He also shared a kiss with girlfriend Margarida Corceiro after his feat.

Lando Norris on Dec. 7.

James Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty

Heading into the final race, Norris was ranked first overall with Verstappen, 28, and Piastri, 24, sitting in the second and third spots.

Ferrari stars Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton entered the race in the fifth and sixth seeds.

Before the drivers traveled to Abu Dhabi for the championship, PEOPLE was on the ground as Formula One took over Las Vegas for the 2025 Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix.

After Verstappen was named the winner on Nov. 24, the racer spoke to PEOPLE about how he prepares for competition. “Well before the race, it’s quite boring. It’s like chicken, rice, nothing too crazy that can upset your stomach,” he explained, adding that he’s “not at all” superstitious about any routine prior to racing.

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“I mean, always for me, I struggle to sleep. Make sure that the room is very dark,” he added. “Communicate with friends or family a little bit and make sure that you push yourself to stay up, stuff like that.”

“I normally never really like to think about it too much and just let it go and see what happens,” he said ahead of the race in Las Vegas.