Lando Norris, the young British sensation, has just secured the 2025 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship in a breathtaking finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 26-year-old’s third-place finish was enough to edge out reigning champion Max Verstappen by a razor-thin margin of two points, ending Verstappen’s four-year dominance of the sport.
Throughout the season, Norris' McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri took the championship lead for the majority of the campaign. However, Norris’s relentless determination and stellar performance in the latter half of the season propelled him to ultimate victory, carving his name into the elite history of F1 at Yas Marina Circuit.
Norris’ triumphant year doesn’t end there. Later this month, he is among the frontrunners for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, which will be presented on 19 December. Although not the outright favourite, Norris is positioned as the second favourite with bookmakers, standing at 5/2 odds.
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Sam Rosbottom, a spokesperson for Betfair, noted: “Having won his first-ever F1 Drivers’ title, Lando Norris is 5/2 to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year later this month.” Should Norris win, he would join the ranks of legendary F1 champions Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Lewis Hamilton as recipients of the honour.
Currently, Rory McIlroy holds the favourite spot at 11/10 odds, following his career highlights earlier this year, including winning the Masters and Ryder Cup success. Meanwhile, England’s Lionesses stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, who played pivotal roles in England’s European Championship triumph this summer, follow Norris in the betting odds.
Regardless of the BBC accolade outcome, Norris has already realized a lifelong dream. Visibly emotional after clinching the title, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his team and family: “I want to thank everyone at McLaren and my parents who have supported me since the beginning. It feels amazing. Now I know what Max feels like a little bit, and I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors all season.”
His Belgian mother, Cisca Wauman, shared her overwhelming emotions saying, “I’m emotionally drained – so happy for McLaren and all the fans. Lando’s journey started very young, and the sacrifices were immense. The final laps felt endless, but we did it.”
With a landmark year culminating in the ultimate prize and the possibility of further recognition from the BBC, Lando Norris is fixing his place not just in the present, but in the future of motorsport greatness.