Lando Norris swaps F1 car for rally and drift action in snowy Sweden

Fresh off his 2025 championship win, McLaren's Lando Norris traded asphalt for ice, joining rally legends and a drift champion for a high-adrenaline driving experience on a frozen Swedish lake. The event, organized with Monster Energy, saw Norris pilot a classic Volvo drift car and a modern Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, showcasing his versatility behind the wheel far from the Formula 1 circuit.

Why it matters:

For an F1 champion, exploring different motorsport disciplines is more than just fun—it's a valuable skill-broadening exercise that enhances car control and adaptability. Norris's open enthusiasm for rallying, a passion rooted in his childhood, also highlights the cross-pollination of fan interest between F1 and the World Rally Championship, bridging two major forms of motorsport.

The details:

• The event took place on a dedicated drift circuit set on a frozen lake in Sweden, featuring rally champion Petter Solberg, his son and WRC driver Oliver Solberg, and drifting champion Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni.
• Norris first took the wheel of a Volvo 940 drift car, quickly mastering the Scandinavian flick technique to link the entire track within his second lap, impressing the seasoned drifters on site.
• He then experienced a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, first as a co-driver with Oliver Solberg before taking over driving duties himself, earning praise from Petter Solberg for his rapid pace.
• Norris reflected that rally was a early inspiration, citing 2001 world champion Richard Burns and the Subaru team as childhood idols during Petter Solberg's own championship era.

What's next:

While firmly focused on defending his F1 title, Norris's successful foray into rally and drift demonstrates his pure driving talent and could fuel more crossover appearances in the future. Such events not only satisfy a driver's personal passions but also engage a wider audience, showcasing the fundamental skills that make a top-tier competitor across any racing discipline.