Norris claims Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award

Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris has added another glittering accolade to his rapidly expanding legacy, claiming the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in a night brimming with celebration and recognition in Madrid.

Only days after being named among TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2026, the 26-year-old world champion stepped into the spotlight once more – this time among sport’s global elite.

His triumph follows a banner 2025 campaign that saw him clinch his maiden F1 Drivers’ Championship after a gripping title fight with Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri.

“Tonight was a very special night,” Norris said after receiving his gleaming Laureus trophy from six-time British six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy,

“I managed to win the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, one of the most prestigious awards an athlete can win.

“To everyone who voted for me, to the Laureus Nominations Panel, thank you very much for awarding me this incredible prize. I am very honoured to be recognised alongside the many incredible people I was up against, and those who have won this in the past.”

From rising star to World Champion

Norris’ journey from a teenage prospect to world champion reads like a modern racing fairytale. Joining McLaren at just 17, he steadily climbed the ranks – test driver, reserve, then full-time racer in 2019.

Early promise turned into consistent podium finishes, before his breakthrough victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix ignited a new level of performance.

By 2025, Norris was unstoppable. Seven wins, relentless consistency, and nerves of steel powered him to the title, while also helping McLaren secure back-to-back Constructors’ Championships with remarkable ease.

His Laureus win places him among an elite group of F1 names, joining past recipients like Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Rosberg – the last F1 driver to claim the honour back in 2017.

Gratitude behind the glory

Despite the individual accolade, Norris was quick to shine the spotlight on those around him.

“As always, I must say a big thanks to my whole team, to everyone at McLaren, and to my personal team,” he added.

“Everyone who has been a part of this journey with me also gets to accept this award. Thank you very much, everyone.”

Read also:

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

Elsewhere on the night, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was crowned World Sportsman of the Year, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy earned Comeback of the Year honours.

From Glastonbury to global greatness, Norris’ breakthrough is no longer a promise – it’s a statement.

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