Lando Norris' girlfriend has admitted she "forgot the cameras were there" as she opened up for the first time on their relationship and the kiss she planted on the Formula 1 star moments after he became World champion. Before last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris and Portuguese model Margarida Corceiro had said and done very little in public to add substance to the dating rumours swirling around them, beyond confirming their relationship in August after two years of speculation.

But all mystery went out of the window on Sunday when, after sealing the title and getting out of his McLaren, 26-year-old British racer Norris ran over to embrace his mum and dad and then Corceiro, who was in tears as they hugged and kissed in front of dozens of cameras.

After "some hesitation", 23-year-old model Corceiro spoke to Portuguese channel TV Guia and said of her relationship with Norris: "I'm very happy, he's very happy and that's what matters."

Speaking specifically about their kiss in front of the world's media, she added: "There's no rule for going public. I thought it made sense... At that moment, I forgot the cameras were there. It was such and important moment that I didn't even remember that."

Earlier this year, Corceiro caused a stir when she reportedly claimed Max Verstappen, Norris' main title rival on the final day of the season, "just wins by luck". Some fans of the Red Bull racer criticised her on social media in response, though the young model says she is oblivious to the backlash.

She said: "I didn't see anything. I don't know what criticisms are being talked about. I deal with these things as I always have: I ignore them. They don't bother me and they don't change my daily life. I continue to be happy, to be with my family, friends, colleagues... Those are the ones who are important."

Speaking after the first confirmation of their relationship, which came at the Hungarian Grand Prix in early August, Norris told British Vogue how much her companionship means to him. "We met a few years ago, but we were never really together until more recently," he said.

"She's someone I can very much be myself with. Very down to earth and she lives quite a crazy life as well. It's nice when we can both just [rent] a boat for the day or go home together and chill."

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Norris has been vulnerable to online criticism in the past but insists: "It affects me a lot less than it did. I pay a lot less attention to it now." And he credits Corceiro and her background as a social media influencer for helping him to better deal with trolls.

He added: "I don't think anyone can look at a bad comment from someone and move on like nothing's ever happened. You don't want to see bad things written about anyone, but she's quite wise to all of it."