Became the newest name on the roll call of the greatest motor racers when he won his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December after a thrilling season-long battle with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri. After finishing runner-up to Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen in 2024, 26-year-old Norris won seven Grand Prix for a career total of 11. Highlights included a dominant Mexican Grand Prix which saw Norris convert a pole position start into a 30-second lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and a nail-biting 0.698-secs win over Piastri at the Hungaroring in August.
Laureus Academy Member Chris Hoy presented Norris with his statuette and the McLaren driver paid tribute to Hoy, as well as reflecting on his own achievement.
“[You are] an inspiration to me, to many around the world and a lot of people in the UK – this is even more special coming from you. I get to join a pretty incredible list of people I watched on TV when I was young, people who have gone on to become some of the most incredible athletes in the world. Not many people get to achieve their dream, but I was lucky to get to do that.”
