PROMISED LANDO

Any doubts over Norris' ability under pressure vanish during nerveless drive of a champion

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A QUICK flick through the Formula One history books is enough to show the significance of what was achieved in the Abu Dhabi night yesterday.

Among Britain's now 11-strong quota of world champions are Sir Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Only eight racers of any nationality have won the F1 drivers' title with McLaren, including Hamilton, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Niki Lauda.

And now, Lando Norris can be added to both lists. Twelve points ahead of Max Verstappen, with the four-time champion on pole, the decider in the desert was as much a test of nerve as it was of Norris' driving ability. The 26-year-old passed with flying colours.

Losing second place to teammate Oscar Piastri on the first lap might have made a less resilient driver crumble. But, once and for all, Norris proved his doubters wrong.