As Formula 1 enters its 2026 regulation reset, Lando Norris sits atop the grid as the reigning 2025 world driver’s champion, racing for the world constructors’ championship-winning team, McLaren.
He’s earned every result along the way: after rising through the junior ranks as a McLaren-backed prospect, Norris has grown from a consistent points finisher into a grand prix winner and regular championship contender. The question, even with F1's new regulations, is whether Norris can become a two-time world champion in 2026.
Born in Bristol, UK
Born: 13 November 1999
Born in Bristol, England, Norris began karting at a young age and quickly progressed through national and international karting competition.
Karting world champion
Years: 2013-2014
On days Norris wasn’t karting, he was racing in the Ginetta Junior Championship. When he was karting, he often won and after becoming the European Champion in 2013, Norris became the youngest-ever winner of the CIK-FIA KF World Championship in 2014.
MSA Formula champion
Year: 2015
Stepping up to single-seaters, Norris won the MSA Formula Championship in his rookie season. Multiple victories and consistent podium finishes demonstrated his adaptability and racecraft.
Formula Renault and Toyota Racing Series titles
Years: 2016
In 2016, Norris claimed titles in both the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and New Zealand’s Toyota Racing Series. The double success and dominating on-track performances confirmed his rapid development and positioned him among the top junior prospects in the world.
European Formula 3 champion
Year: 2016-2017
Norris won the FIA European Formula 3 Championship on his first attempt. After dominating the season with multiple victories, it was clear Norris’ career trajectory was headed toward Formula 1.
McLaren junior to Formula 2 contender
Years: 2017-2018
In 2017, Norris joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme and by the end of the year, he was named an official F1 McLaren test driver for 2018. Also competing in FIA Formula 2 at that time, Norris finished second in the championship to George Russell.
Formula 1 debut with McLaren
Year: 2019,
Norris made his Formula 1 debut in Melbourne at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. As one of the youngest drivers on the grid, he scored points regularly, with McLaren signing Norris to a long-term deal after his first season.
First podium finish
Year: 2020
Norris secured his maiden Formula 1 podium at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix in 2020. A late fastest lap and strong race pace elevated him to third position, a result that would prove pivotal as he more regularly featured at the front.
Breakthrough season
Year: 2021
In 2021, Norris achieved multiple podium finishes during the season, and picked up his first pole position at the Russian Grand Prix. He played a key role in McLaren’s competitive resurgence and briefly entered the championship fight because of his points consistency.
First grand prix victory
Year: 2024
Norris claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix in 2024. One for the nerds: with 16 podiums before a grand prix win, Norris tied drivers such as Mika Hakkinen and Jean Alesi.
Championship contender
Year: 2024
With McLaren producing a competitive car, Norris added further podiums and victories during the 2024 season. He emerged as a consistent challenger at the front of the field, along with team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Multi-year McLaren commitment
Years: 2019–2027
Norris recently signed a long-term contract extension with McLaren, reinforcing his belief in the team’s ability to deliver championship-winning machinery.
2025 F1 world driver’s champion
Year: 2025
A three-way, season-long fight for the championship was settled in the final race of the season: Norris won seven times and scored 11 podium finishes, including in the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi where third place secured his maiden F1 title.
Entering the 2026 regulation reset
Year: 2026
As Formula 1 prepares for sweeping technical changes this year, Norris enters the new era as an established race winner in his mid-20s, with his results only getting stronger.
With McLaren targeting sustained success under the new regulations, this season may define whether Norris can convert promise into a second world driver’s championship in 2026.
