Norris faced multiple challenges during the race. This started when the lights went out and Verstappen launched and moved across the track to relegate Norris to P2 in the first turn. Perhaps worse, later in the first lap, McLaren teammate Osca Piastri passed Norris thereby moving into P2. Norris needed to finish on the podium to take the title. Enter Ferrari. Charles Leclerc shot into fourth at the start began. He was now in the mirrors of Norris.

However, Leclerc was overworking his tires and started slowing down. Lecler pitted, but so did Norris. They both reappeared in traffic. Norris then drove like a champion. First passing Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Williams’ Alex Albon; then passing the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll and the Williams of Alex Albon – both in Turn 6. Now he was back to P4, behind the Red Bull of Yuki Tsunoda, who without question had team orders to impede Norris to help Verstappen.

He attacked Tsunoda – whose future as a driver is uncertain – and Tsunoda darted back and forth to block him. Norris was forced off track but got by. Gaining a position like that could result in a penalty. The incident was investigated by the Stewards who in a refreshingly clear reading of the rules of competition tendered Tsunoda a five-second time penalty for making more than one change in direction.

Norris was then told by McLaren on the radio to settle down and ease up a bit now that he was in P3 – a podium position. He did. When the checkered flag dropped he was the Champion. Next year the entire field will have to contend with Verstappen once again.