Lando Norris has been honored with the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award after securing his first Formula 1 World Championship. The McLaren driver narrowly defeated Max Verstappen in the 2025 season finale.
Lando Norris has added another accolade to his collection, winning the World Breakthrough of the Year prize at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. This recognition follows his recent triumph as the 2025 F1 World Champion, where he edged out Red Bull's Max Verstappen by a mere two points in the season's final race at Abu Dhabi.
The 26-year-old McLaren driver was selected from a diverse group of international nominees, including British darts prodigy Luke Littler, French football talent Desire Doue, Brazilian tennis player Joao Fonseca, Canadian basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.
Norris expressed his gratitude in a video message from the McLaren Technology Centre, stating, "Tonight was a very special night. Winning the Laureus Breakthrough Award is truly an honor, as it's one of the most prestigious awards out there."
He added his disappointment at missing the event, which he has admired on television, but reassured fans that his focus remains on preparing for upcoming races. "To everyone who voted for me, and to the committee, thank you for awarding me this incredible honor," Norris said, acknowledging the other nominees and past winners.
He also credited the McLaren team, saying, "A big thanks to my whole team, everyone at McLaren, my mechanics, my personal team—everyone who has been part of this journey with me. They also share in this award."
Norris joins the ranks of fellow British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, who previously received the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2008 and 2010, respectively. It seems Norris is in good company as he continues to carve out his place in F1 history.