Lando Norris named on TIME 100 list alongside Donald Trump and Pope Leo
F1 world champion Lando Norris features on the TIME 100 Most Influential People list.
Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has been named on TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People for 2026.
Norris clinched his maiden F1 drivers’ world championship in a nail-biting 2025 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after emerging victorious in a three-way title battle that went right down to the wire.
The McLaren driver beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to his first drivers’ crown by two points, and finished 13 points ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri. In doing so, Norris became the 11th British F1 world champion.
Now, Norris has been named in the “Innovators” category of the prestigious TIME 100 Most Influential People list.
Paris Hilton, the American media personality, businesswomen and philanthropist, praised Norris in his written entry in TIME.
“I first met Lando Norris at F1 Miami, and I instantly loved his energy,” Hilton said.
“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.”
Only five other figures from the world of sport have been included. There are golfer Scottie Scheffler, American track and field sprinter Noah Lyles, snowboarder Chloe Kim, figure skater Alysa Liu and ice hockey player Hilary Knight.
Wider figures on the list include US president Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was named in TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People list back in 2020.
Hamilton and Verstappen were not included in the latest edition of the list.
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