Lando Norris Makes TIME 100 List as an Innovator

Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula 1 champion, has been named one of TIME’s 2026 100 Most Influential People. The McLaren driver lands in the Innovators category, joining six other athletes and a roster of global leaders. Paris Hilton, who wrote his entry, praised his skill, energy and down‑to‑earth personality.

Why it matters:

• Cultural reach – Shows F1’s growing mainstream profile.
• Role model – Mix of wins and fan connection sets a branding benchmark.
• Commercial upside – Sponsors see a TIME 100 nod as a strong endorsement.

The details:

• Norris won his first title at Abu Dhabi, edging teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen.
• TIME 100 Innovators also include golfer Scottie Scheffler, sprinter Noah Lyles, snowboarder Chloe Kim, figure skater Alysa Liu and ice‑hockey star Hilary Knight.
• Paris Hilton, entrepreneur‑philanthropist, authored Norris’s entry, praising his “energy, kindness and grounded attitude.”
• The full TIME 100 list also features US President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV, Canadian PM Mark Carney, musicians Hilary Duff, Noah Kahan, Luke Combs and YouTuber MrBeast.

What’s next:

• Brand growth – New endorsements and media work are expected.
• Community focus – Norris may expand charitable outreach, leveraging his fan‑first image.
• Team boost – McLaren can use the spotlight to attract partners and raise its global profile.
• Driver inspiration – Other racers may invest more in personal branding.

Norris’s TIME 100 debut underscores a new era where F1 stars can shape culture while winning on track.