[Saba Sports News] TIME magazine has released its 2026 annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Lando Norris, who claimed his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship last season, has successfully made the list.
In keeping with TIME 100 tradition, each honoree’s profile is penned by a guest contributor. Norris’s tribute was written by Paris Hilton, the American entrepreneur and philanthropist. In her write-up, she stated: “He is clearly immensely talented, but what truly sets him apart are his kindness, authenticity, and down-to-earth nature. It is rare to see someone remain so humble despite all the pressure that comes with being in the spotlight.”
This year, only six sports figures feature on the list. Alongside Norris, they include golfer Scottie Scheffler, U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles, snowboarder Chloe Kim, figure skater Alysa Liu, and ice hockey player Hilary Knight. Other notable names on the list include U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton was also named to the list in 2020.
In our opinion, Norris’s inclusion is not merely a recognition of his personal charisma, but also a redefinition by TIME of what constitutes ‘influence’ in an era where sports, media, and technology converge.