Lando Norris interrupted a Formula 1 interview after the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix because he wanted to watch Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrate his first world championship on the podium. The McLaren driver, who experienced the same joy of becoming world champion just one year earlier, turned away from the cameras to follow the celebrations and openly admitted that he did not want to miss such a special moment.
It was a spontaneous gesture that demonstrated the genuine admiration Norris has for the young Mercedes driver. Antonelli’s championship victory has earned him widespread praise throughout the Formula 1 paddock, not only for his extraordinary performances behind the wheel but also for his personality away from the circuit.
Lando Norris watches Kimi Antonelli celebrate his 2026 F1 world championship
On 7 December 2025, Lando Norris became Formula 1 world champion, with the celebrations beginning immediately after the final race of the season. Less than a year later, on 1 November 2026, it was Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s turn to experience the same extraordinary emotions.
The Italian secured his maiden Formula 1 drivers’ championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, bringing another memorable celebration to the sport. Having finished third in the race, Antonelli celebrated his achievement on the podium alongside Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Norris, meanwhile, finished fifth and therefore did not take part in the podium ceremony. After the race, the British driver made his way to the media pen, where he spoke to several television broadcasters, including Formula 1’s official channel.
Although he had his own race to discuss, Norris was particularly interested in what was happening elsewhere at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Having celebrated his own championship triumph the previous season, he knew exactly how significant the occasion was for Antonelli.
Lando Norris stops Mexico GP interview: “I want to watch Kimi”
During one of his post-race interviews, Norris suddenly stopped speaking. He turned around to watch Antonelli’s celebrations and made it clear to the interviewer that his attention was elsewhere.
“I want to watch Kimi,” the McLaren driver said.
He then turned away to follow the podium ceremony, temporarily abandoning the conversation because he did not want to miss the celebrations.
“It’s impossible not to watch something like that,” Norris added.
It was a particularly touching moment, offering another illustration of how highly Antonelli is regarded by his fellow Formula 1 drivers. Even after finishing outside the podium places himself, Norris was determined to witness the Italian’s historic achievement.
The gesture was especially meaningful coming from the previous world champion, who had experienced the excitement, pressure and satisfaction associated with winning Formula 1’s ultimate prize.
Lando Norris praises Kimi Antonelli’s talent and personality after F1 title win
Norris also delivered a heartfelt tribute to Antonelli following the Mercedes driver’s championship victory. His praise went beyond the Italian’s remarkable performances on track, focusing particularly on the qualities that have made him such a popular figure in the paddock.
“The title couldn’t have gone to a better person. He’s a genuine guy. He’s driven incredibly, much better than everyone expected him to. He’s taken on the best drivers in the world and beaten them without difficulty.”
“He should be proud of what he’s achieved. Today, he’s made history. I’m really happy for him.”
Those words reflected the respect Norris has developed for Antonelli, both as a competitor and as a person. Despite their rivalry on the circuit, the McLaren driver was happy to recognise the scale of the achievement and the qualities that helped the young Italian reach the top of Formula 1.
His comments also formed part of a wider wave of congratulations following the championship, with Norris paying tribute to the driver who succeeded him as world champion.
Kimi Antonelli earns widespread respect from F1 rivals after historic Mercedes triumph
Norris was not alone in praising Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, two of the most successful and accomplished drivers in Formula 1 history, also offered their congratulations following the Italian’s championship triumph.
The appreciation shown by his rivals underlined how much respect Antonelli has earned during his rise through Formula 1. While his driving talent has been obvious, his character has also made a lasting impression on those around him.
That same quality was emphasised by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who praised Antonelli’s humility and integrity while criticising selfish attitudes among Formula 1 drivers.
For Norris, however, the admiration was expressed through both words and actions. His decision to interrupt an interview simply to watch Antonelli celebrate was a spontaneous demonstration of the respect he feels for the new world champion.
The Italian’s victory was already an extraordinary sporting achievement, but the reaction of his fellow drivers added another dimension to the occasion. As Antonelli himself reflected on the emotions of winning his first Formula 1 championship, his rivals were equally keen to recognise the significance of the moment.
In a sport defined by fierce competition, Norris’s reaction provided a reminder that respect and genuine admiration can exist between drivers fighting for the same ultimate prize. For a few moments in Mexico, the former world champion was content simply to stop talking and watch his successor enjoy the celebration.
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