A quick flick through the Formula 1 history books is enough to show the significance of what was achieved in the Abu Dhabi night on Sunday. Among Britain's now 11-strong quota of world champions are names like Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Only eight racers of any nationality have ever won the F1 drivers' title with McLaren. The likes of Hamilton, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Niki Lauda. And now Lando Norris.

Twelve points ahead of Max Verstappen, 28, with the four-time champion on pole, yesterday's 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 team-mate Oscar Piastri on the first lap might have made a less resilient driver crumble. But, once and for all, Norris proved that those who suggest the openness with which he has discussed his mental health in the past is a weakness could not be more wrong.

At no point over the 58 laps did Norris do or say anything that suggested he was feeling the pressure. Even when Red Bull told Yuki Tsunoda to do "all you can" to slow the Brit down, and the Japanese took that to mean he had to weave dangerously at approaching 200 miles per hour, Norris never lost his cool. The Brit was investigated for overtaking off track but there was never any doubt that the Red Bull driver was the one in the wrong.

From there, with Verstappen leading but powerless to affect anything happening behind him, the only threat left after Norris' final pit stop was Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque went from five seconds behind to four within the space of one lap, sparking fears he might hand it to Verstappen, but the Ferrari's pace soon faded and, when he took the chequered flag, Norris' tears began to flow.

By two points, he was the world champion. "My best performances this year came when I needed them the most," he declared with pride. "The second half of the season when I was a little bit on the back foot, that's when I did the best, when I showed the most in me."

Having secured the constructors' title at the Singapore GP two months ago, McLaren did the double for the first time since 1998. Norris was especially proud of having made more history for the team to which he has dedicated his career. He said: "I've wanted to do it with McLaren since the beginning."

Despite having been powerless to prevent his run as F1 champion ending at 1,457 days, Verstappen said the fight had been "really fun". He clearly saw his friend Norris as a worthy winner.

Verstappen said: "He has had a very good season. Winning your first is always super emotional, it's very special. I hope he really enjoys it with his family."

Piastri, 24, started the day 16 points behind his team-mate and knew his title chances were slim. His main feelings were of disappointment but also satisfaction, knowing: "We gave it everything."

Before departing the paddock, Piastri also made sure to remind Norris that he will be there to push him all the way again next time. He added: "There's plenty more years to come of intense weekends and tight battles. It's made both of us better drivers."