Lando Norris has been named on the shortlist for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award following his remarkable Formula One world championship win. After a long season of strong performances, disciplined racing and a dramatic championship battle that went to the final race, Norris now joins a group of outstanding British athletes being recognised for their achievements this year. The award celebrates the sportsperson who most captured the national imagination in 2025.
Norris’s Unforgettable Season
Norris’s 2025 campaign ended in triumph in Abu Dhabi when he secured his first Formula One world drivers’ title. He claimed the crown by finishing third in the final race, edging out Max Verstappen by two points. The result made him the 11th British driver to claim a world title and confirmed his place among the best in his sport. His victory came after a season of intense battles, resilience through adversity and consistent, high quality performance. Many fans and pundits view his success as one of the standout stories in British sport this year.
His nomination for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is a reflection not only of his results but of how his journey captured public attention. His open emotional reaction after winning in Abu Dhabi, his evident gratitude toward his team and family, and his focus on clean racing built a strong connection with fans across the United Kingdom and beyond.
A Strong Shortlist With Diverse Achievements
Norris is one of six athletes nominated for this year’s award. Each nominee has delivered a remarkable sporting achievement in 2025. The full shortlist includes:
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy completed golf’s career Grand Slam by winning the Masters and then won other significant tournaments this year. His success in golf continued on multiple stages, capturing the attention of fans and commentators alike.
Chloe Kelly
Chloe Kelly played a key role in England’s success at Euro 2025. She scored the winning penalty in the final and enjoyed a strong season at club level. Her performances helped secure England’s back-to-back European Championship wins.
Hannah Hampton
Hannah Hampton stood out as England’s goalkeeper during Euro 2025. Her critical saves in shootouts were crucial to England’s success and earned her individual praise for her performances under pressure.
Ellie Kildunne
Ellie Kildunne was instrumental in England’s Rugby World Cup campaign. Her try scoring and overall play were central to England lifting the women’s world title. Her contributions brought rugby into the spotlight this year.
Luke Littler
Luke Littler made history in darts by winning major championships at an age that made him one of the youngest top competitors in the sport. His rise to world number one at just 17 was one of the breakout stories of the year.
These athletes come from a range of sporting backgrounds, showing the breadth of British talent in 2025. Their inclusion highlights not only individual success but how each helped elevate their sport during the year.
What the Nomination Means for Norris
Being shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is a major honour for any athlete. The award recognises not just results but impact on the sporting community and connection with the public. For Norris, the nomination acknowledges the excitement and energy he brought to the 2025 Formula One season. His title win gave British motorsport fans something to celebrate and drew attention from audiences who might not otherwise follow the sport closely.
The nomination also places Norris among some of the most admired British athletes of 2025. The list includes team sport heroes, individual world champions, and athletes at the top of their game. Norris stands out not only for his championship but also for his personality, consistency and attitude throughout the season.
Comparison With Other Nominees
Rory McIlroy likely enters the ceremony as a favourite for the award, having completed the career Grand Slam and delivered a year of consistent excellence in golf. His achievements are rare and historic. Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton’s roles in England’s Euro 2025 victory place them in the cultural spotlight, while Ellie Kildunne’s rugby success brings team sport into the mix. Luke Littler’s meteoric rise in darts speaks to a new generation of talent.
Norris’s presence alongside these athletes highlights how British sport excelled across both individual and team arenas in 2025. Each nominee brought joy, pride and memorable moments to sports fans. Norris’s Formula One title adds motor racing to a list filled with major achievements from other high profile sports.
The Awards Ceremony
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony will take place on Thursday 18 December in Salford. The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and will allow viewers to vote in real time.The ceremony features other honours including Team of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and World Sport Star of the Year. Fans across the UK will engage in the voting process and help decide who takes home the top award.
Closing Thoughts
Lando Norris’s nomination for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 is a fitting tribute to an exceptional year in sport. After winning the Formula One world championship in a tight title fight, he has earned recognition alongside other outstanding British athletes. Whether he wins the award or not, the nomination highlights his contribution to sport and how his achievements resonated with fans. Norris’s season will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent British sporting history. The shortlist also reflects a year where British athletes shone across golf, football, rugby and darts, showing the depth of talent and commitment throughout the sporting world in 2025.
