Lando Norris has been recognised for his maiden Formula 1 world championship triumph after claiming the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award at a ceremony in Madrid on Monday, 20 April.
The 26-year-old McLaren driver saw off competition from darts sensation Luke Littler and 2024-25 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to secure the prestigious honour, joining an illustrious list of recent previous winners that includes Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu and Patrick Mahomes.
Norris secured his first F1 drivers' title at the 2025 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, finishing third to clinch the championship by just two points from four-time drivers' champion Max Verstappen.
The Briton recorded seven victories and seven pole positions across the 24-round campaign, with wins including his home British Grand Prix and a decisive triumph in Brazil that propelled him to the championship lead heading into the final three rounds.
The award recognises breakthrough performances in sport, celebrating athletes whose first significant success transforms their careers.
Norris became the 35th driver to claim the F1 world championship and delivered McLaren's first drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
The 2026 Laureus ceremony at Madrid's Glass Gallery at Cibeles Palace saw tennis star Carlos Alcaraz named Sportsman of the Year, whilst Paris Saint-Germain claimed Team of the Year — a category in which McLaren was nominated — following their Champions League triumph.
Norris faced a stellar field of nominees. Littler, 19, won the PDC World Darts Championship in January 2025 to become the youngest world champion in darts history, whilst Oklahoma City Thunder guard Gilgeous-Alexander also led his side to the NBA championship and won Finals MVP honours.
The other nominees were Paris Saint-Germain winger Désiré Doué, Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca, who became the first Brazilian to win an ATP 500 tournament, and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.
Norris joins fellow F1 drivers Juan Pablo Montoya (2002), Hamilton (2008), Jenson Button (2010), Daniel Ricciardo (2015) and Nico Rosberg (2017) as winners of the Breakthrough of the Year award.
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