Source:REUTERS/CARLA CARNIEL
[Saba Sports News] After a tense and lengthy 2025 season, Lando Norris finally achieved his first world championship in Abu Dhabi, fulfilling the ultimate goal he had aimed for over 20 years since starting in karting. However, upon reaching this peak, the McLaren driver did not stop. Before entering the 2026 season, Norris admitted that the championship did not diminish his desire; instead, it made him more aware of the areas where he still needed to improve, including learning from the strengths of the current top driver, Max Verstappen.
Despite being the defending champion, Norris clearly recognizes the gap between himself and several world champions. He acknowledged that his mindset and racing style are vastly different from Verstappen’s, lacking some of the toughness and aggression, though he noted that this does not mean one is right and the other is wrong. He hopes to gradually absorb Verstappen’s strengths without changing who he is, making his skill set more complete because, in top-level competition, even the slightest differences can determine the outcome of the championship.
As the defending champion, Norris has officially adopted the number 1 on his car and gear. He described seeing this number for the first time as a moment when all his memories flooded back, and it was a real and special feeling.