British racing driver Lando Norris has achieved a lifelong dream, clinching the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship in a nail-biting season finale in Abu Dhabi. The 26-year-old McLaren star secured the title with a third-place finish at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, ending Max Verstappen's four-year reign at the top of the sport.
How Norris Sealed The Championship
In a tense climax to the 2025 season, Norris pipped Red Bull's Max Verstappen by a mere two points, despite the Dutchman winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The championship battle had been a three-way fight for much of the year, with Norris's own teammate, Oscar Piastri, leading the standings for the longest period. However, a strong second half of the campaign proved decisive for the Glastonbury-born driver, allowing him to seize the crown and write his name into F1 history.
An emotional Norris struggled to hold back tears as he celebrated his monumental achievement. "I've not cried in a while. I didn't think I'd cry but I did," he admitted post-race. "It's a long journey. First of all I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren. My parents... I'm not crying. My mum, my dad, they were the ones who supported me since the beginning."
The Race For BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Fresh from his triumph on the track, Norris could be in line for another major honour this December. He is now among the frontrunners for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, which will be presented on December 19.
According to bookmakers Betfair, Norris is the second-favourite to win the prestigious public vote, with odds of 5/2. A victory would see him join an elite group of F1 drivers to have won SPOTY, including Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Lewis Hamilton.
However, he faces stiff competition. Golfer Rory McIlroy remains the firm favourite at 11/10, following his Masters victory in April and subsequent Ryder Cup success. Two Lionesses heroes, Chloe Kelly (3/1) and Hannah Hampton (12/1), are also in contention after helping England win the UEFA Women's European Championship this summer. Darts world champion Luke Littler is rated as an outsider at 16/1.
Family Pride and Future Hopes
The magnitude of Norris's achievement was felt deeply by his family. His mother, Cisca Wauman, gave a tearful interview to Sky Sports, reflecting on the sacrifices made. "I'm emotionally drained - so happy for McLaren and all the fans," she said. "A lot of sacrifices - by the time he was eight, Lando and his brother, Ollie, were competing [in karting]. I feel like he missed a lot of childhood."
While the SPOTY award would be a glittering addition to his breakthrough year, Norris has already secured the prize he coveted most. As he lifted the championship trophy, he paid tribute to his rivals: "It feels amazing. Now I know what Max feels like a little bit... I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors all season."
The British sporting public now has the chance to crown him once more, as the vote for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award opens.
