Lando Norris visits former primary school as reigning F1 World Champion

Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris took a break from pre-season preparations to return to his roots, visiting Chew Stoke Church School, his former primary school near Bristol. The McLaren driver was greeted by waving checkered flags and spent time speaking to students about perseverance, reflecting on his own journey from a pupil at the school to the pinnacle of motorsport.

Why it matters:

A world champion returning to his childhood school transcends typical sports publicity, offering a genuine moment of inspiration and grounding. It highlights the person behind the helmet and reinforces the relatable, long-term journey to the top in a sport often perceived as distant. For the students, it provides a tangible link between their own environment and achieving global success.

The details:

• The entire school welcomed Norris with checkered flags upon his arrival, and students had prepared a congratulatory board for his championship win.
• During a school assembly, Norris spoke about the importance of perseverance in reaching one's goals, a theme mirroring his own F1 career which saw him wait until his seventh season for a first win and a subsequent title.
• He visited every classroom, answering questions from all year groups and even acted as a race director, waving the checkered flag for student scooter races.
• The school presented him with gifts, including a school tea towel, to which Norris remarked he was "pretty sure" his mother still had one from his time there in the 2000s.
• Headteacher Ben Hewett told BBC Bristol that Norris was "really gracious" with his time, signing numerous items for students and staff. The driver also arranged for a gift to be left for every pupil after his departure.
• Teaching assistant Sue Lewis noted, "He hasn’t changed. He’s still a lovely person, as he was then. All he's done is grow taller!"

What's next:

Norris now turns his full attention to defending his title, having been busy in McLaren's simulator preparing for the 2026 campaign. The team will unveil its MCL40 livery on February 9th, with pre-season testing in Bahrain beginning just two days later. This visit serves as a poignant reminder of the champion's humble beginnings as he heads into a new season under the spotlight.