Lando Norris believes he can grow to be world champion subsequent season after his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory secured McLaren their first constructors’ championship since 1998.

The 25-year-old’s fourth win of the season meant McLaren held off the cost of Ferrari as team-mate Oscar Piastri completed solely tenth after an eventful race for the Australian on the Yas Marina Circuit.

Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have been second and third to push McLaren all the best way however Norris’ lights-to-flag win was sufficient to safe the title. Lewis Hamilton was fourth on his Mercedes farewell.

Norris was additionally second within the drivers’ championship, the very best end of his profession, having led the problem to world champion Max Verstappen for a lot of the season.

The Dutchman clinched his fourth world title final month following quite a few clashes between the pair throughout the marketing campaign.

Norris mentioned after the race that “subsequent yr will probably be my yr” and reiterated his perception that he has what it takes to grow to be a world champion.

“I actually know that I’ve acquired plenty of what it takes,” Norris advised Sky Sports activities.

“There’s little question about that and I’m assured in saying that. This yr I’ve proved that not every part is the place it must be.

“However even since these moments I really feel like I’ve improved loads within the second half of the yr.

“I’ve confidence in myself which isn’t a typical factor. I’m by no means going to go round screaming that form of factor.

“I’ve confidence that I can battle towards Max and Charles and all of those different drivers.

“I’ve what it takes. Sure I want to enhance in areas. I’m going to work onerous over the winter to enhance on them. I’ll do this and we’ll battle.”

McLaren got here into the season finale with a 21-point lead and strengthened their grip on the title by securing a one-two in qualifying.

Nevertheless it was a nightmare begin for the Woking-based staff as Verstappen began effectively from fourth and dove up the within of Piastri, with the pair making contact and the Australian ending up behind the sphere.

“I noticed in my mirrors what occurred in flip one. It positively made me a bit extra nervous than I’d have favored,” Norris added.

“The strain was actually on from that time however I knew what I used to be able to.

“I’m certain there have been plenty of nervous individuals on the pit wall and again within the manufacturing facility.

“We now have carried out sufficient and that’s as a result of we’ve got carried out sufficient for the remainder of the season in comparison with our rivals. So an incredible win for us.”

Piastri recovered to tenth however Norris’ win ensured a unbelievable show by Ferrari was in useless, with Leclerc storming from nineteenth on the grid to complete third.

McLaren chief govt Zak Brown hailed Norris’ efficiency and says the staff need to win each titles subsequent season.

“That was the worst two hours of my life, by far,” Brown advised Sky Sports activities.

“Lando drove brilliantly. Unlucky what occurred to Oscar in the beginning however the staff was flawless.

“They executed the pit cease nice. And I believe I used to be the one one who was able to have a coronary heart assault for about two hours.

“Lando carried us. To not make any errors, he drove flawlessly as he has carried out. Subsequent season let’s attempt to repeat and in addition get the drivers’ – I’ll let Lando and Oscar determine that one out!

“With the momentum Lando is on, I wouldn’t wager towards him.”