Driving change: Norris races onto TIME’s 100 most influential list

Lando Norris has officially traded the checkered flag for a spot among the global elite, landing a prestigious place on the TIME 100 Most Influential People list for 2026.

After a white-knuckle 2025 season where he clinched his maiden F1 World Championship in a dramatic Abu Dhabi finale against Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, the McLaren ace is now rubbing shoulders with titans of industry, pioneers, and even the Pope.

Categorized as an "Innovator," Norris is one of a select group of just six athletes to make TIME’s cut this year, proving that his influence extends far beyond the F1 paddock.

The Hilton seal of approval

In a pairing that captures the glitz of modern Formula 1, Norris’s tribute was penned by none other than entrepreneur and socialite Paris Hilton.

Having watched the champion navigate the high-pressure paddock, Hilton was quick to praise the man behind the visor, painting the picture of a champion as comfortable with fans as he is on the track.

"I first met Lando Norris at F1 Miami, and I instantly loved his energy," Hilton wrote. "He’s obviously incredibly talented, but what really makes him stand out is how kind, genuine, and down-to-earth he is.

“Even with all the pressure of the spotlight, he stays grounded, which is rare. Watching him become world champion in 2025 was honestly amazing – so well deserved, and such a major moment.

"I’ve also seen him with fans at races, and it’s very special. He takes the time to connect with everyone, and you can tell it truly means something to him.

“He’s so fun, warm, and approachable. I love that he’s inspiring so many people by showing that you can work hard, reach the top, and still stay completely true to yourself."

A masterclass in modern influence

The 2026 list reads like a "who’s who" of the zeitgeist, placing Norris in the same stratosphere as U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and YouTube juggernaut MrBeast.

• Read also: Norris still critical of F1's new regs – but hope is on the horizon

While he shares the sporting spotlight with stars like Scottie Scheffler and Noah Lyles, Norris’s inclusion highlights his unique role as a bridge between elite sport and digital-age relatability.

By staying "true to himself" – as Hilton puts it – while conquering the most technologically demanding sport on Earth, Norris isn't just a fast driver; he’s a cultural blueprint.

Whether he's popping champagne on a podium or appearing alongside Pope Leo XIV and Hilary Duff in the pages of TIME, Lando’s 2026 is already looking like a victory lap for the ages.

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