Lando Norris to Receive Inaugural “Autosport Champion” Honor at 2026 Awards
The Autosport Awards will celebrate a landmark year for motorsport, recognizing Lando Norris’s remarkable career trajectory and the growing influence of fans in shaping the sport’s narrative. The annual event, set to take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at London’s Roundhouse, will honor Norris with the inaugural “Autosport Champion” award, a testament to his journey from young talent to 2025 Formula 1 World Champion.
A Career Capped by Championship Glory
The “Autosport Champion” honor recognizes Norris’s ascent, beginning with his victory at the 2016 McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award and culminating in the ultimate achievement in motorsport. This new recognition underscores the Autosport Awards’ commitment to celebrating not just current success, but the dedication and development that fuels it.
Fan Voice Takes Center Stage
More than half a million votes have been cast by fans worldwide, placing global fandom at the heart of this year’s ceremony. Across eight major categories – encompassing Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, the World Endurance Championship, and more – fan-voted awards will be presented, reflecting the passion and engagement of the motorsport community. “This year reflects the full spectrum of what racing is today—global, cultural, and powered by an audience more engaged than ever,” stated a senior official from Motorsport Network. A new “Creator of the Year” category further acknowledges the rising influence of fan-driven content and storytelling.
Motorsport Elite to Attend
The Autosport Awards will draw a prestigious gathering of motorsport figures. Formula 1 drivers Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto are confirmed attendees, alongside prominent Team Principals including Laurent Mekies, James Vowles, Jonathan Wheatley, Graeme Lowdon, and Andrea Stella. This convergence of competitors and industry leaders promises a unique opportunity for collaboration and discussion as the new season approaches.
Celebrating the Rise of Women in Racing
The ceremony will also highlight the growing prominence of women in motorsport, with a special focus on the F1 ACADEMY. Stars Doriane Pin, Maya Weug, and Chloe Chambers, along with Managing Director Susie Wolff, will be recognized for their achievements in a landmark year for the championship. This celebration underscores the championship’s increasing impact on the wider motorsport landscape.
Ross Brawn Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Legendary British engineer Ross Brawn will receive the prestigious Autosport Gold Medal Icon Award, recognizing his 40-year career of excellence. Brawn’s technical mastery, championship-winning leadership, and lasting influence on modern motorsport will be celebrated as a cornerstone of the sport’s evolution.
Culinary Excellence to Complement the Celebration
Adding a unique flavor to the event, Michelin star celebrity chef and lifelong motorsport fan Tom Kerridge will curate the Autosport Awards dinner menu. Kerridge’s signature approach promises a distinctly British and memorable dining experience for attendees.
The 38th annual Autosport Awards, hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James, promises to be a celebration of motorsport’s past, present, and future. Full coverage of the event will be available online at Autosport.com and Motorsport.com, as well as on Instagram (@autosport & @motorsportcom) and X (@autosport & @motorsport).
