San Francisco Frontiers - Emotional Norris triumph prompts widespread affection and respect

The fresh-faced 26-year-old Briton thanked his team, family and friends for their support in his success in the self-effacing style that has made him Formula One's most popular driver.

McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, who finished second in the race and third in the title fight, and race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who had won the previous four consecutive championships, were quick to offer congratulations.

"Congratulations to Lando. We tried our best to get there, but it wasn’t quite to be," said Piastri.

Norris, who was engulfed in crowds of supporters, family and reporters, maintained his open, vulnerable and authentic self, admitting that he found it difficult to understand his achievement.

He became Britain's 11th world champion and McLaren’s first since seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton secured his first title in 2008. His success also sealed the team's first double of drivers’ and constructors’ titles since 1998.

"It’s insane! And I don't know how to say it, or even if I want to say it yet. Maybe I’ll say it, but not until tomorrow," he said.

As he spoke, it was revealed that a street in his native Somerset will be named after him.

His friend and former team-mate Carlos Sainz praised his open nature and authenticity.

"I'm very happy for him as a driver and as a human," said the 30-year-old Williams driver.

"More than anything I am happy for him as a person because he doesn't follow the stereotype as a world champion and is true to himself and I hope he stays the same and isn't a 'bad ass'.

"If he does, I will get in his ear and stop him being at all show-off."

- 'Emotional and draining' -

Norris admitted: "It's incredible. Pretty surreal. I dreamed of this for a long, long time - everyone does – and a lot goes into a season like this. A lot of ups, a lot of downs, but none of that matters if you try to come out on top.

He added: "I've not cried in a while and I didn't think I would cry, but I did. It's a long journey and first I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren, and my parents.

"They are the ones who have supported me since the beginning. I mean it feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like! I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season."

His tearful mother Cisca said: "It's overwhelming, emotional and draining, but we have backed Lando in all the good and the bad times."

Hamilton said: "I’m really happy for him. Winning your first championship is truly special. The UK continues to pump out great drivers and I know what the feeling is when you’re coming into this race and fighting.

"It’s nerve-wracking and I am just really proud of him. Before the weekend, I told him that what he does works so don’t change anything. I guess that's what he did.”

Verstappen said: "I don't feel it like losing, to be honest. He’s had a very good season and a tough battle with Oscar and then I got into the fight.

"Winning your first is super-emotional always as you have dreamed of that moment and I hope he enjoys the night with his family and the team."

F.Garcia--SFF