Last Updated on December 19 2025, 5:00 pm
Lando Norris misses out on BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Although Lando Norris achieved the greatest success of his Formula 1 career by securing the World Championship, the McLaren driver narrowly missed out on another major honour away from the track. He finished third in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year vote, which was ultimately won by golfer Rory McIlroy.
This prestigious award, decided by public vote, recognises sporting excellence across all disciplines in the United Kingdom. Norris had hoped to follow in the footsteps of several Formula 1 legends who have previously received the accolade, but this time the vote went in a different direction.
A Dramatic Formula 1 Title Triumph
Norris was added to the BBC shortlist after a remarkable Formula 1 campaign. The 25-year-old clinched the world title at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, beating Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen by just two points after one of the closest championship battles in recent history.
The McLaren driver’s consistent performances throughout the season, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, earned him his first world championship crown. This breakthrough moment marked the return of both Norris and McLaren to the top of the sport after years of rebuilding.
Given Formula 1’s global profile and the scale of his title victory, his achievement made him a strong contender for the BBC award.
Why George Russell knows the writing is on the wall with Toto Wolff
Strong competition across multiple sports
Norris was one of six finalists selected by a panel before the public vote opened. Joining him on the shortlist were rugby player Ellie Kildunne, footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, darts world champion Luke Littler, and golfer Rory McIlroy.
Each finalist had achieved significant success in their respective sports, reflecting the breadth of British sport. Kildunne’s influence in rugby and Littler’s breakthrough success in darts particularly resonated with voters, while Hampton and Kelly continued to benefit from the growing prominence of football following recent international tournaments.
Hamilton on F1 racing 2026: “I’m not sure you’re going to like it”
McIlroy Claims Historic Victory
Ultimately, Rory McIlroy was crowned the winner, becoming the first professional golfer to receive the award since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989. The Northern Irishman’s victory marked a rare moment of recognition for golf at the ceremony, underlining his enduring status within the sport.
His success also attracted attention within the motorsport world, as he is one of the investors in the Alpine Formula 1 team. Alongside McIlroy, Alpine’s investor group includes boxer Anthony Joshua and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, highlighting Formula 1’s growing appeal beyond traditional motorsport circles.
Norris ultimately finished third in the vote, behind McIlroy and runner-up Ellie Kildunne.
The return of the German GP; Domenicali’s latest thoughts
Formula 1’s History with the Award
Although Norris missed out this time, Formula 1 has a strong history at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. Several drivers have previously won the award, including Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell (incredibly! TJ13 editor), Jackie Stewart, John Surtees and Stirling Moss.
These past winners emphasise the importance of Norris being shortlisted, especially in such a competitive year. Although he did not add the BBC trophy to his collection, his Formula 1 world title remains the defining achievement of his season.
Zak Brown called out “arrogance” at McLaren & Ferrari should take note
Focus Remains on the Track
For Norris, attention will now turn back to Formula 1 as he prepares to defend his championship. The McLaren driver has already established himself as one of the sport’s leading figures, and his near-miss at the BBC awards is unlikely to overshadow what has been a landmark year in his career.
Although the BBC Sports Personality of the Year title eluded him, his place among Formula 1’s elite is now firmly secured.
Vasseur gives Hamilton an ultimatum
NEXT ARTICLE: Alonso teases with a vision of his third F1 championship
Fernando Alonso is revered as one of the best drivers to grace Formula One in the past two decades. His two championships with Renault in 2005/6 ended the longest period of Ferrari domination in the sport’s history.
The Spaniard’s decision to join McLaren in 2007 was an inspired reading of the F1 form tea leaves, although internal fighting within the woking based team saw both their drivers lose out to Kimi Raikkonen that season by a single point.
Such was the bitterness created at the Woking based team that season, Fernando decided to leave the team in 2008, only for his former team mate Lewis Hamilton to claim his first drivers’ championship with an overtake on the last lap of the last race in Brazil.
Alonso’s lost F1 championships
Alonso was offered the dream move to Ferrari in 2010, where he almost won the title but for more Ferrari strategy blunders at the final round in Abu Dhabi. He started the weekend 15 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel, but a poorly times early pitstop to cover off Mark Webber’s early change of rubber saw him stuck behind Vitaly Petrov for the remainder of the Grand Prix.
Vettel won the race and the first of four championships, whilst Ferrari and Alonso were left to rue what m ight have been. Ferrari president, Luca Di Montezemolo later reflected on Alonso’s time at Ferrari, stating “What I appreciated about Fernando is he was always a fighter, a fighter, a fighter. From mid-2010 to 2014, Fernando was the best driver in the world. There’s no argument about that.”
But the championship defeats were very difficult to take for both Ferrari and the Spanish driver. In 2012 it was even more galling as in a car widely regarded as no better than third quickest, Alonso led the championship for much of the season.
The title that season hinged on two pieces of ill fortune for Fernando when he was taken out at the start of both the Belgian and Japanese Grands Prix. In Spa it was by the airborne Lotus of Romain Grosjean after the French driver had been run close to the wall by Lewis Hamilton. At Suzuka, it was Kimi Raikkonen who dashed the Spanish matador’s hopes when his front wing punctured the rear left tyre of…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Clara Marlowe has worked in motorsport journalism for over 15 years, writing features for established sports magazines and online outlets. With formal training in journalism and a reputation for human-interest storytelling, she highlights the often-overlooked figures behind Formula 1’s success.
