Lando Norris shortlisted for Sports Personality of the Year after F1 championship win

McLaren driver Lando Norris has been shortlisted for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after clinching his first Formula 1 world drivers' championship title.

The Briton has been shortlisted alongside five other sportspeople - England footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, darts player Luke Littler and golfer Rory McIlroy.

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "This has been a breathtaking year for sport, driven by athletes whose performances belong in the history books. Each one has delivered moments of pure brilliance that have defined 2025.

"It's been incredible to watch, and I can't wait to honour their achievements, and to see who the nation chooses as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025."

Norris finished the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in third behind race winner Max Verstappen and his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, which was enough to take the title. The McLaren driver became the 11th British driver to claim an F1 title and the 35th driver in the history of the championship to do so.

"Oh, God. I've not cried in a while. I didn't think I would cry, but I did," he told David Coulthard after the race as he held back tears. "It's a long journey. 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're the ones who supported me since the beginning."

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

He added: "It feels amazing. I now know what Max feels like a little bit. I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It's been a pleasure to race against both of them. It's been an honour. I've learned a lot from both of them as well. I've enjoyed it. It's been a long year. But we did it. We did it. I'm so proud of everyone."

When is the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony?

The 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards are set to take place on Thursday 18 December, and voting will take place during the programme. 

Set to be hosted by Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Clare Balding, the event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.