Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri showed class immediately after Lando Norris won the first F1 title of his career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
The McLaren driver finished third, with his two rivals ahead of him, which was ultimately enough for him to secure his spot in the sport's history books.
Verstappen and Piastri pushed Norris hard all season but the Briton, ultimately, was too strong for the pair.
On Sunday, in the Middle East, both men showed class by immediately congratulating Norris on his title triumph.
Their reactions could easily have been so different. Both men had title aspirations of their own, having enjoyed successful campaigns.
But the day belongs to Norris, with the Briton emulating Lewis Hamilton by securing the crown. Years of hard work have clearly paid off now.
Verstappen, speaking on the team radio, didn't sound too downbeat. Red Bull have endured a chaotic year - especially following the departure of Christian Horner back in the summer - but rallied to give themselves a fighting chance. In the end, their efforts just came up short.
Lando Norris, you are a 2025 F1 World Champion 🏆🥹 pic.twitter.com/WGMd52sQbJ
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 7, 2025
Verstappen said: "Congrats guys. The way we fought back in the second half of the season, we can be really, really proud of that.
"So, don't be too disappointed. I'm definitely not disappointed. I'm really proud of everyone for not giving up."
Norris was emotional after his triumph, breaking down in tears. The McLaren driver joked that he hadn't cried for a while before the race and was visibly delighted after achieving his dream, with his parents and girlfriend watching on.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
F1 facts fans might not know | GETTY/GBNEWS"I've not cried in a while! I didn't think I would cry but I did!" he said.
"It's a long journey. First of all, I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren, my parents - my mum, my dad - they are the ones who have supported me since the beginning."
Norris then showed class in return by praising both Piastri and Verstappen for pushing him all the way, making for one of F1's most dramatic finales in the process.
"It feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like a little bit! I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season.
"It's been a pleasure to race against both of them. It's been an honour, I've learned a lot from both.
"I've enjoyed it. It's been a long year. We did it and I'm so proud for everyone."
Lando Norris was thrilled after winning the F1 title on Sunday
|GETTY
He continued: "It's been a long journey with me and McLaren. I've been with them for nine years.
"We have been through plenty of crazy difficult times and crazy good times.
"For me to give something back to them, I feel like I did my part with the team this year.
"I'm very proud of myself for that but even more proud for everyone I hopefully made cry."
Now, the onus will be on Norris to build a dynasty.
That will be easier said than done - especially with Verstappen securing 10 straight podiums to end the campaign on a high. How next season plays out remains to be seen.