Norris reveals his winter break plans ahead of 2026

Freshly crowned F1 world champion Lando Norris is taking a slightly different approach to the winter break following his career-defining 2025 season, blending team reviews, celebrations, and a well-earned escape with friends and family.

The McLaren driver capped off his banner year by narrowly beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the world title after a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi last weekend.

With McLaren poised to tackle the 2026 regulation changes, Norris is keen to review lessons learned while also making time for family, friends, and some much-needed personal downtime. Analysts and fans alike are eager to see how he transitions from a high-pressure season to recharging for the new challenges ahead.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the British star outlined a structured start to his break.

“Actually, pretty simple next few weeks. We review everything. You know, there's still plenty of things that we know we would have loved to have done better," Norris explained.

“I know I would have loved to have made a slightly different decision here or there. And we review all of those things, put them in a kind of little pile and make some quick assumptions and predictions from those things and results.

“So it's not a long break, but then it's the FIA awards which I'm looking forward to because it's, I think, the first time I might get to touch the trophy. So that's something I'm very excited for. And the team Christmas party, one of the best nights of the season."

Norris’ Time Off the Track

After the official team events, Norris is planning some personal downtime away from the track.

"Then I go away with all my friends. We go skiing. I get all my injuries out of the way nice and early," he joked.

“And just enjoy some time with the people that you've probably seen on TV a lot over the last day - my parents, my brother and my sisters, and honestly, try to forget this season. Forget that I drive in Formula 1.”

Beyond his detailed escape, Norris reflected on the lessons and confidence he’ll be taking from 2025.

"I take a lot out of this year," he explained. "I take a lot. Plenty of things that I know I could have done better, I should have done better. But I did what I had to in the end.

• Read also: Stella reveals crucial ‘turning point’ in Norris’ evolution in 2025

“It was crazy close, and yeah, two points is all it was to Max [Verstappen]. That's pretty insane.

“I do have what it takes. I had my flaws, I had my mistakes, but I'm confident and I have the confidence now that I can look at them, review them, analyse them, not make them again, and do even better next season."

The 2025 winter break is particularly brief due to F1’s regulation overhaul arriving in 2026, with private testing set to begin on 26 January.

Even so, Norris’ blend of reflection, celebration, and downtime suggests he’s aiming to recharge both body and mind before taking on the next challenge.

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