Lando Norris’ SPOTY chances rated against Luke Littler and Rory McIlroy after F1 title win

Lando Norris clinched the Formula 1 title on Sunday with his third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, pipping Max Verstappen and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to victory

Lando Norris is champion of the world in Formula 1 – and he could be set for another prize later this month. Norris, 26, clinched the 2025 World Drivers’ Championship on Sunday by finishing third after a tense Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The British driver pipped Max Verstappen, the race winner, by just two points at the end of an enthralling season, during which Norris’ McLaren team-mate, Oscar Piastri, led the championship battle for the longest of all three contenders. But the Glastonbury hotshot came out on top thanks to a strong second half of the campaign, ending Verstappen’s four-year stronghold on the title.

An emotional Norris lifted the trophy at the Yas Marina Circuit and wrote his name in the F1 history books. If that wasn’t enough, the 26-year-old’s month could get even better by winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, handed out on December 19.

Although he doesn’t have pole position, Norris is among the frontrunners to claim the award. Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom commented: “Having won his first ever F1 Drivers’ title, Lando Norris is 5/2 to win BBC Sports Personality of the year later this month.

“He would join Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Lewis Hamilton as the only F1 drivers to win the award. However, having achieved his career highlight of winning the Masters in April, before following up with Ryder Cup success, Rory McIlroy remains firm favourite at 11/10.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen sends clear message to Lando Norris after losing out in F1 title battleREAD MORE: Seven key moments that led Lando Norris to F1 glory after stunning World Championship victory

Norris is the bookmakers’ second-favourite ahead of two Lionesses heroes, Chloe Kelly (3/1) and Hannah Hampton (12/1), who helped England win this summer’s European Championship. Meanwhile, darts world champion Luke Littler is rated at 16/1.

Missing out on the prize wouldn’t hurt too much for Norris, who made a lifelong dream come true the Middle East. Struggling to hold back the tears post-race, the McLaren star admitted: “I’ve not cried in a while. I didn’t think I’d cry but I did.

“It’s a long journey. First of all I want to say a big thanks to my guys, everyone at McLaren. My parents… I’m not crying. My mum, my dad, they were the ones who supported me since the beginning.

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“It feels amazing. Now I know what Max feels like a little bit, and I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors all season.

“It’s been a pleasure to race against both of them, and I’ve learnt a lot from both of them as well. I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been a long year but we did it and I’m so proud of everyone.”

Norris’ Belgian mum, Cisca Wauman, also gave a tear-filled interview to Sky Sports. “I’m emotionally drained – so happy for McLaren and all the fans,” she said. “A lot of sacrifices – by the time he was eight, Lando and his brother, Ollie, were competing [in karting]. I feel like he missed a lot of childhood.

“The last few laps took ages! They were calling us down with 10 laps to go… the race is not over. Anything could still happen! But we did it.

“I don’t know what the plan is [for tonight]. Normally, I just walk back to the hotel and I start reading my book, and I was planning on doing the same. I don’t know what is happening!”