Lando Norris's Formula One world championship triumph has triggered a costly promise from McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who must now purchase a Pagani Zonda supercar for the new champion. The deal, first revealed in 2024, was sealed when Norris clinched the title in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, becoming the 11th British driver to win the crown.
Norris, 26, finished third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to secure the championship by two points over Max Verstappen. The Bristol-born driver had previously stated he had a handshake agreement with Brown for a car of his choice if he won the title. He later disclosed his preference for a Pagani Zonda, which can cost upwards of £1 million depending on the model.
The supercar would join Norris's existing collection, which includes a Ferrari F40, a McLaren 765LT Spider, and a Lamborghini Miura. The Pagani Zonda is also a favourite of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who owned a custom Zonda 760 LH before selling it in 2021. That car was later crashed by its new owner in a Welsh tunnel in 2023.
Norris's victory marks McLaren's first drivers' title since Lewis Hamilton's triumph in 2008. As he looks ahead to defending his crown in 2026, he will face competition from teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished third in the standings this season and expressed optimism about his own progress.
