Lando Norris receives Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award

The Formula 1 world champion capped a defining period in his career, adding the prestigious Laureus accolade to the Drivers’ title he secured in 2025, a season that confirmed his transition from contender to champion.

Norris’ campaign was built on seven victories, including landmark wins at Silverstone, Monaco and the season opener in Australia, before delivering under pressure in a tense title run-in. He held off challenges from teammate Oscar Piastri and defending champion Max Verstappen, sealing the championship with a composed performance in Abu Dhabi.

The award places Norris alongside previous British winners Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s leading names heading into the current season.

While Norris was the standout motorsport figure of the night, the ceremony recognised excellence across the sporting spectrum.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was named Sportsman of the Year after reclaiming the world number one ranking with two Grand Slam titles, while Aryna Sabalenka took the Sportswoman award following a season of sustained dominance.

In football, Paris Saint-Germain were crowned Team of the Year after a six-trophy campaign, including their first Champions League title.

Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy earned Comeback of the Year after completing the career Grand Slam, while Brazil’s Gabriel Araújo, snowboarder Chloe Kim and teenage football star Lamine Yamal were also among the winners.

The ceremony, hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu, brought together leading figures from across sport, but it was Norris’ breakthrough moment that provided one of the defining narratives of the night.

·         Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz

·         Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award: Aryna Sabalenka

·         Laureus World Team of the Year Award: Paris Saint-Germain

·         Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Lando Norris

·         Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award: Rory McIlroy

·         Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Gabriel Araújo

·         Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award: Chloe Kim

·         Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year Award: Lamine Yamal

·         Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award: Toni Kroos

·         Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: Nadia Comăneci

·         Laureus Sport for Good Award: Fútbol Más