Lando Norris Sets Abu Dhabi Alight as He Returns to Track in a Dazzling Gold Helmet!
In a spectacular showcase of triumph and talent, Lando Norris made his electrifying return to the racetrack as the newly crowned F1 world champion! This thrilling event took place on the final day of 2025 testing at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, just two days after he clinched the title by finishing third in the nail-biting season finale. Clad in a striking gold crash helmet symbolizing his victory, Norris jumped back into his championship-winning MCL39, ready to dominate once more!
However, the excitement didn’t stop there. While Norris paraded around with his customary number four adorning the nose of his car, the number one—reserved exclusively for reigning champions—will make its long-awaited debut in 2026. Norris confirmed this eagerly anticipated change to Sky Sports News, promising fans that they will see the prestigious number on his car during pre-season testing at the end of January. The countdown has officially begun!
As the adrenaline pumped through the Yas Marina Circuit, Norris wasn’t alone in his quest for glory. A total of 15 current race drivers were on hand, testing the new 2026 Pirelli tyres in a series of 2025 mule cars. This session is crucial as F1 gears up for a seismic shift in regulations, with major updates to chassis, aerodynamics, and power units coming next year. Norris kicked off the day with a bang before teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished a mere 13 points behind him in the standings, took over for the afternoon session.
All ten teams were in attendance, showcasing two cars each during this pivotal single-day test. One vehicle had to be piloted by a seasoned driver for tire testing duties, while the other was designated for promising young talents, ensuring that the future of Formula 1 is bright and well-prepared.
Meanwhile, Red Bull was already setting the stage for the 2026 season, with their two teams bringing in fresh talent. Isack Hadjar took the wheel of the senior Red Bull car, while British sensation Arvid Lindblad made his mark in the Racing Bulls, preparing for his inaugural F1 campaign at the young age of 18. Not to be outdone, Ferrari split their tire testing duties between race veterans Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The latter, coming off a challenging first year in red, vowed to “completely unplug from the matrix” during the winter break once his post-season responsibilities concluded.
In the sun-soaked atmosphere of Yas Marina, Mercedes joined the fray, utilizing both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to tackle their 2026 testing. Williams, Haas, and Sauber followed suit, ensuring that every team was fully engaged in preparing for the upcoming season. Aston Martin’s former McLaren star Stoffel Vandoorne took on Pirelli duties, while Jak Crawford returned to the track, representing a host of young drivers who made their presence felt in F1 practice earlier in Abu Dhabi.
As the curtain falls on the 2025 season, the anticipation for the 2026 F1 campaign is palpable. Fans can catch every exhilarating moment live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Don’t miss out on the action—stream Sky Sports with NOW, where the thrill never ends!









