Formula 1 champion in 2025, Lando Norris made it to the Time 100 Most Influential People list of 2026, being the only driver from the category present in this year’s selection.
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The inclusion comes after a decisive season, in which the Briton won his first title in an exciting finale in Abu Dhabi. Norris beat Max Verstappen by just two points, in a tight battle until the last stage, marked by a strong reaction from the Dutchman and a near mistake by McLaren, the driver’s team.
With the title, he became the 35th champion in Formula 1 history, achieving the feat in his seventh season in the category, accumulating 11 wins over the period.
Socialite Paris Hilton was responsible for writing the text about Norris in the publication and highlighted the driver’s behavior off the track: “I met Lando Norris for the first time in F1 in Miami, and I immediately loved his energy. He is obviously incredibly talented, but what really makes him stand out is how kind, genuine, and humble he is,” she wrote.
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She also emphasized his attitude towards fame: “Even with all the pressure of the spotlight, he stays grounded, which is rare. Watching him become world champion in 2025 was truly amazing — well deserved and a great moment.”
About his contact with fans, she added: “He takes time to connect with everyone, and you can tell that it really means something to him.”
Other names on the list include the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and Pope Leo XVI, who assumed the papacy last year.
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