Leclerc hails the ‘beautiful’ emotions behind Norris’ title

Charles Leclerc knows better than most how cruel and beautiful Formula 1 can be. Dreams are chased at 300km/h, heartbreak often comes before joy, and only one driver gets to stand at the very top when it’s all over.

That understanding is exactly why Lando Norris’ world title resonated so deeply with the Ferrari star. Watching his McLaren rival finally lift the world championship trophy was not just a sporting moment for Leclerc – it was an emotional one.

Norris’ path to the title was anything but straightforward. A relentless late-season charge, a tense duel with team-mate Oscar Piastri, and a final sting from Max Verstappen that brought the fight down to the wire all combined to make the championship one of the most dramatic in recent memory.

In the end, Norris held on by just two points.

‘It’s beautiful to see’

Asked in Abu Dhabi for his reaction, Leclerc didn’t focus on statistics or strategy. Instead, he spoke about feeling.

“That’s why I love our sport so much, it’s the emotions,” Leclerc said.

"No matter how much you want to beat your opponents, to see someone’s face as happy as Lando’s is something that is beautiful to see.

“It’s the ultimate dream for every one of us on this grid. He’s been fulfilling it this year and I’m very happy for him. He deserves it"

For a driver who has come painfully close to glory himself, Leclerc’s words carried a quiet authenticity.

Rivalry fades in moments like these, replaced by shared understanding of what it takes – and what it means – to reach the summit.

Respect today, resolve for tomorrow

Leclerc’s own season with Ferrari offered little cause for celebration, the Scuderia enduring a winless campaign that left its lead driver watching the title fight from the sidelines.

Yet even in acknowledging Norris’ joy, Leclerc’s competitive fire remains very much alive.

"Now it’s up to me to keep chasing it and hopefully make his [Norris'] life harder next year,” he said.

That chase will unfold against the backdrop of one of the most dramatic regulation resets Formula 1 has ever seen. New power units, redesigned chassis and sweeping aerodynamic changes promise opportunity – but also enormous uncertainty.

Leclerc is realistic about what lies ahead.

“Nobody knows where the others are; there are so many unknowns,” said the eight-time Grand Prix winner.

“I’d rather not speak and wait until next year, in the first few races, to see where we are. In the meantime, we’ll just focus on the project and try to work in the best possible way, and we’ll see.”

For now, though, Leclerc allows himself to simply appreciate the moment – a rival’s dream realised, a reminder of why he fell in love with racing in the first place.

And as one chapter closes with Norris on top, another quietly begins, with Leclerc already looking ahead to the day he hopes that joy is his own.

Read also: Leclerc treads carefully for 2026, but belief in Ferrari intact

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