Lando Norris was honoured at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards held on Monday in Madrid, clinching the coveted Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. The Somerset-born Formula 1 driver earned this accolade following a landmark year by securing his first-ever Formula One World Championship after fierce competition against McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Presented with the award by six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy via pre-recorded video, Norris expressed deep gratitude. “Winning this special award means so much to me and everyone who has supported me. Not many people get to achieve their dream, and I was lucky enough to do just that,” he said. He thanked his team at McLaren, his family, and all those who have been part of his journey, promising to place the trophy alongside his World Championship title.
Norris added, “Thank you to the Laureus Academy for selecting me as the World Breakthrough of the Year. It is an honour to be recognized alongside legendary athletes who have achieved extraordinary heights. This championship has been a lifelong dream, and I couldn’t have done it without my incredible team, who were also nominated for the Laureus Team of the Year Award.”
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Other notable winners included Rory McIlroy, who claimed Comeback of the Year for his triumphant Masters victory at Augusta, completing his career grand slam 11 years after nearly achieving it. McIlroy reflected on his journey, emphasizing how past near-misses motivated him to persevere.
Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was named World Sportsman of the Year despite concerns over a wrist injury that casts doubt on his ability to defend his French Open title. The Spanish player, winner of both the French Open and Wimbledon in 2025, shared that he aims to prioritize his long-term health over rushing back to competition.
Other highlights from the ceremony included Aryna Sabalenka being awarded Sportswoman of the Year, Lamine Yamal receiving the inaugural Young Sportsperson of the Year award, and Paris Saint-Germain crowned Team of the Year. American snowboarder Chloe Kim earned Action Sportsperson of the Year, and Nadia Comaneci was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her historic perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics 50 years ago. Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Gabriel Araujo won Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, celebrating exceptional achievements across the sporting world.