Nice guy, inoffensive, well mannered, genuine. All of these things are true of Formula One’s new world champion, which makes him a rarity in this sport.

He may not be the best driver to wear the crown, he might not move the needle as others have, but for all-round, good-egg energy, Formula One might never have had it so good.

Norris did exactly what he had to do in the final race of the season, controlling the race from the base of the scrum.

In bringing his McLaren home third, Norris displayed the necessary maturity and cool, evading the obvious Red Bull booby trap in the shape of Yuki Tsunoda, who threw more moves than a Strictly contestant in the service of his title-chasing team-mate Max Verstappen, and keeping the fired-up Ferrari of Charles Leclerc in his mirrors.

After doing thi

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