ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Lando Norris clinched McLaren’s first team title in 26 years when he drove to a calm and accomplished victory ahead of two chasing Ferraris at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On an evening of stirring emotions under floodlights at the Yas Marina Circuit, as seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton drove from 16th to fourth in his final race at Mercedes, Norris was the embodiment of cool as he raced from his eighth pole position to his fourth career win.

“It feels incredible,” said the driver born in 1999, one year after McLaren’s last constructors’ crown.

“Not for myself, but for the whole team. The team has done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning. I am so proud of everyone.”

“It has been a lovely journey and to end the season like this is perfect. Congratulations and big thank you to everyone at McLaren.”

His team boss Zak Brown, who has generated energy and enthusiasm at English-based McLaren, said: “I love everyone in Woking. What a team effort! Amazing, but that was stressful. The worst two hours of my life!”