Lando Norris drops new footage of McLaren F1 title party after cameras banned

McLaren are the Formula 1 constructors’ champions for the first time since 1998 after Lando Norris’ victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended Ferrari’s challenge

Lando Norris has provided a sneak peek inside McLaren’s title celebrations – despite being banned from filming their first big party.

It was the Brit’s victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which ensured a first constructors’ crown for the team since 1998. That led to some rather raucous celebrations in the paddock which went long into the night.

Speaking in a new vlog on his YouTube channel, Norris said that once the celebrations had moved out of public view, the team made sure there were no cameras allowed so that staff could let their hair down in private to mark the occasion.

“It was an incredible day,” Norris recalled. “Probably the most pressure I was under. There was only one thing we wanted to do and that was to celebrate because it was just amazing.

“The feeling I had, the feeling everyone in the team had, I’m sure you could see it all and probably feel it at the same time. We went to party, but it was a private party so we could not bring you along for the ride, sadly.”

But, a few days later, McLaren did hold another celebration where filming was permitted. And Norris made the most of it by bringing a camera along with him so fans could get an inside view of how staff celebrated their success.

Norris added: “Tonight is our end of season Christmas party which we can bring you along for. It’s in London and we can all get together with family and friends – a lot of people, around 1,600 or 1,700 people. It’s my final chance to say a big thanks to all of them and to celebrate one more time before we start cracking on with next season.”

The footage shows Norris on stage with team-mate Oscar Piastri, McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella with staff members and invited guests in the audience, making lots of noise as the constructors’ trophy is shown off.

Norris then shows off the trophy to the camera and says: “1998 – this was our last [constructors’ success]. 2024, McLaren. So this is the trophy and this year we brought it back home, where it belongs – McLaren. I’m so so proud and happy that we’ve got this.

“As you can see, everyone is having a wonderful time including me. It’s been an incredible year and we’ve achieved so much, but this is the end and the start because 2025 is another year and another opportunity for me. I’ve learned so much this year.”