Lando Norris nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year after F1 title win

McLaren's Lando Norris has been nominated for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award following his dramatic first Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship victory. The Briton is shortlisted alongside five other athletes, including England footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, darts player Luke Littler, and golfer Rory McIlroy.

Why it matters:

Winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year is one of the most prestigious honors in British sports, celebrating an athlete's impact and popularity over the year. For Norris, a nomination is a significant recognition beyond the F1 paddock, cementing his status as a national sporting icon after achieving the ultimate goal in motorsport. It highlights how his championship triumph has resonated with the wider British public.

The details:

• Norris secured the 2025 title by finishing third in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, behind race winner Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri. The result gave him enough points to clinch the championship.
• He becomes the 11th British driver to win an F1 World Championship and the 35th driver in the sport's history to do so.
• In an emotional post-race interview, Norris thanked his team, family, and rivals. "Oh, God. I've not cried in a while. I didn't think I would cry, but I did," he told David Coulthard. "It's a long journey... I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren... My parents. They're the ones who supported me since the beginning."
• He also paid tribute to his main competitors, stating, "I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It's been a pleasure to race against both of them."
• Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, commented on the shortlist: "This has been a breathtaking year for sport, driven by athletes whose performances belong in the history books."

What's next:

The winner will be decided by a public vote during the live awards ceremony.

• The 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards are scheduled for Thursday, December 18th.
• The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, hosted by Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, and Clare Balding.
• The nomination places Norris in contention for one of the UK's top sporting accolades, potentially capping off a historic year for the McLaren driver.