Lando Norris BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.
Lando Norris, the freshly crowned 2025 Formula 1 world champion, has been buzzing with energy this week as McLaren gears up for his title defense in the radically revamped 2026 season. Formula1.com caught him bounding into their studio at the McLaren Technology Centre for an exclusive chat with Lawrence Barretto, where the Brit dished on his déjà vu goal of repeating last years triumph despite sweeping new chassis and power unit rules that make it tougher than ever. Hes still wrapping his head around the world champion tag after 20 years of chasing it, calling it one of the coolest things ever when fans say it, and hes recharged from a low-key winter break in Monaco with friends and family, even doing a spring clean.
Just last week, Norris got his first spins in the MCL40 during Barcelonas shakedown test, Sky Sports reports, admitting it felt different with cold tyres but insisting McLaren, fresh off two straight teams titles, is in a good place with time to iron out niggles before Bahrain testing kicks off. Crash.net quotes him saying winning hasnt changed him hell feel no different hitting the track with the same burning ambition to win again, knowing hes got that title to fall back on if needed.
The big reveal came yesterday at McLarens Bahrain launch event, per The Independent and Sky Sports, unveiling the familiar black-and-orange livery splashed with Gemini AI branding, ditching the darker test scheme Norris loved but prefers for TV. CEO Zak Brown gushed over Norris sky-high confidence and motivation, comparing him to Hamilton and Verstappen types who crave multiples, while team principal Andrea Stella eyes the development race as key under the new regs.
Norris also played padel with pals George Russell and Alex Albon, ESPN notes, teasing that bookies-favorite Russell is giddy about his Mercedes hype after their strong shakedown, though Norris respects hell snag a title soon. Hell run the number 1 on his car, per Formula1.com previews, with teammate Oscar Piastri gunning to rebound from his late-2025 fade. Norris and Piastri told Motorsport.com theyre logging extra sim time for cockpit-heavy challenges like active aero and battery management replacing DRS. No fresh social buzz or off-track drama surfaced, but whispers of Mercedes power unit loopholes add intrigue ahead of Melbournes March 8 opener.
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