Lando Norris has been named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine. The American magazine publishes an annual list of the hundred most prominent celebrities. This is the first time Norris – who won his first world title in 2025 – has been mentioned. Moreover, the 26-year-old Brit is only the fourth F1 driver to be included in the list; in 2024 Max Verstappen preceded him.
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The McLaren driver won his first world championship last year after a fierce title battle with teammate Oscar Piastri and rival Max Verstappen. He is also extremely popular off the track, especially among younger audiences. According to TIME Magazine, Norris now belongs to an exclusive group of ‘world leaders, artists, icons, titans, pioneers, and innovators’. The F1 champion was included in the latter category.
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Norris is one of only six athletes who received a mention. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, athlete Noah Lyles, snowboarder Chloe Kim, figure skater Alysa Liu, and ice hockey player Hilary Knight are also on the list. He also follows in the footsteps of Max Verstappen, who appeared on the TIME list in 2024. In 2023, the Dutchman also graced the magazine’s cover. Besides Verstappen, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton were previously included in the list. Not a bad group at all.
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Celebrity Paris Hilton was asked to comment on Norris’ first mention. “I met Lando Norris for the first time during the Miami GP and I was immediately charmed by his energy,” wrote the American. “He is obviously incredibly talented, but what really sets him apart is how kind, genuine, and down-to-earth he is, even under the pressure of the spotlight. It was amazing to see him become world champion in 2025; such an important and well-deserved moment. I have also seen how he interacts with fans: he takes the time to connect with everyone and you can tell it really means something to him. He is so fun, warm, and approachable. I love that he inspires so many people by showing that you can work hard, reach the top, and still stay completely true to yourself.”
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