Lando Norris aims to defend Formula One title
Lando Norris has stated that it is “absolutely the goal” to successfully defend his maiden Formula One world championship, reports BritPanorama.
The British driver became the first UK F1 champion since Lewis Hamilton after defeating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Norris’ achievement adds him to the prestigious list of 11 British drivers who have been crowned world champions.
Last season saw McLaren dominating the championship, but with a significant overhaul of the sport’s regulations, the upcoming season presents uncertainty regarding which team will come out on top. Regardless of these changes, Norris remains focused on the ambition of back-to-back titles.
He expressed newfound confidence, stating, “When you win one, it certainly gives you a lot more confidence.” Norris acknowledged the variability in drivers’ self-assurance but noted his evolving belief in his capabilities. “I have never been one to have the most confidence in myself but I certainly have more of it now, that’s for sure,” he added.
Norris shared this perspective at the Autosport Awards in London, where he was honoured as the British Competition Driver of the Year. Reflecting on his championship win in Abu Dhabi, he admitted that he had not revisited the moment himself, indicating a desire to distance from that high-pressure environment.
Despite not participating in the initial testing at Circuit de Catalunya, McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella clarified the strategy behind this decision. “We plan to start testing either on day two or day three. We wanted to give ourselves as much time as possible for development,” he stated, emphasising the unprecedented scale of changes being implemented for 2026.
Norris will be involved in a closed-door test in Barcelona, scheduled for next week, as the team prepares for the first competitive race in Australia on March 8.
As the new season approaches, the blend of ambition and innovation in McLaren’s approach reminds us of the unpredictable nature of motorsport—where yesterday’s champions must continually adapt to stay ahead of the competition.
