Lando Norris has added another trophy to his growing cabinet after winning the World Breakthrough of the Year prize at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards – the 2026 edition being held in Madrid on Monday night.
It comes just a few months after the 26-year-old McLaren driver became F1 World Champion for the first time – denying Red Bull rival Max Verstappen by two points after scoring the podium finish he needed at the Abu Dhabi finale.
Norris won from a group of nominees that included British darts star Luke Littler, French footballer Desire Doue, Brazilian tennis player Joao Fonseca, Canadian basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.
“Tonight was a very special night,” said Norris in a video message from the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC). “If you haven’t seen already, I managed to win the Laureus Breakthrough Award, which is one the most prestigious awards to win – Laureus in general is incredible.
“I’m disappointed that I could not be there tonight, because I’ve seen it on TV many times, and it looks like an incredible night, but I’m here at MTC and working to make sure we’re prepared for the next race out.
“To everyone who had voted for me, to the committee for voting, thanks very much for awarding me this incredible award, alongside many incredible people that I was up against, and incredible people that have won it in the past.
“I’m very honoured, and of course I have to always say a big thanks to my whole team, everyone here at McLaren, my mechanics, my personal team, everyone who’s been on this journey with me – they also get to accept this award on my behalf.”
Norris is the third British driver to win the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award, following on from Lewis Hamilton (in 2008) and Jenson Button (in 2010).
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