FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem quipped that he almost issued a “€5,000 fine” to Lando Norris for swearing during his speech at Friday’s prize-giving gala.

Norris secured his maiden world championship at last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third behind McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and race winner Max Verstappen.

Lando Norris escapes FIA fine after swearing during gala speech

The 26-year-old became the 11th British world champion and the first driver to win the title for McLaren since Lewis Hamilton, now of Ferrari, in 2008.

Norris was officially crowned world champion at Friday’s annual end-of-season awards ceremony in Uzbekistan, where he was presented with the trophy.

After being welcomed on to the stage by Ben Sulayem, who playfully ruffled his hair, Norris went on

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