Lando Norris has been hit with a huge financial blow after winning his first Formula 1 world championship. The McLaren driver must pay nearly £1 million to renew his FIA Super Licence for the 2026 season.
The Super Licence is mandatory for all F1 drivers, and its cost is based on a flat fee plus a per-point charge. For 2026, the flat fee is £10,342, with each point costing £2,089. Norris scored 423 points during the 2025 season, bringing his total licence fee to £893,989.
Norris clinched the title by just two points over Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen's licence fee for 2026 is £889,811, while Norris's McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished third in the standings, will pay £866,195.
The system has drawn criticism from drivers, including Verstappen, who noted that teams often cover the cost. In 2023, Verstappen confirmed Red Bull paid his fee, but it is unclear if McLaren will do the same for Norris and Piastri.
Despite the expense, Norris's title ended McLaren's 17-year championship drought and marked a career high with seven race wins in 2025.
