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10 Feb 2026


26-year-old Lando Norris wins first Formula One crown

McLaren driver shows grit, heart and maturity to seal historic world title

Lando Norris is the new Formula One world champion, and he earned it the hard way. He carried a mountain of courage, control and calm when it mattered the most.

At just 26, the British driver secured his maiden world title after a tense final race of the season, finishing third and edging past defending champion Max Verstappen by a razor-thin two-point margin. It was one of the closest title finishes in recent F1 history.

Norris’s journey to the top has been years in the making. Born in Bristol and raised in Glastonbury, he started karting as a child and quickly stood out for his focus and discipline. Racing was never a hobby for him rather it was a dream he chased with quiet determination. Unlike many drivers, Norris has always been open about his struggles with pressure and self-doubt, which made his rise even more relatable to fans around the world.

Driving for McLaren, he grew season by season, turning raw pace into consistency and leadership. Inside the garage, he is known as a team player, someone who listens, learns and motivates those around him. Mechanics and engineers often describe him as humble, hardworking and deeply respectful of their efforts.

In the title-deciding race, Norris faced intense pressure from rivals and even his own teammate Oscar Piastri. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also pushed him hard, but Norris chose intelligence over risk, driving with maturity beyond his years.

After crossing the finish line, Norris was visibly emotional. He called the moment unreal and overwhelming, but also said it gave him a renewed sense of purpose. With this victory, he not only writes his name into F1 history but also sets the stage for a new era, one defined by patience, persistence, and a champion’s unshakable belief in himself.

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