Lando Norris named in TIME100: Most Influential People of 2026

When Paris Hilton puts pen to paper about Lando Norris, you know it’s not just about speed, but about his personality underneath the helmet too. 

Formula 1 driver and reigning world champion Lando Norris has reached a new milestone in his career, earning a place on Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2026.

As part of the Time 100 Most Influential People of 2026 tradition, Paris Hilton was chosen to write Lando Norris’s profile. Rather than focusing on his on-track achievements, she highlighted his personality, describing him as ”kind, genuine, and down to earth” despite his global fame.

From speaking openly about mental health challenges and trying to maintain a grounded public image, Norris represents a new generation of athletes who connect with audiences on a more personal level. This combination of elite performance and authenticity has helped expand his reach far beyond Formula 1.

This also shows a shift in how influence is measured in modern sport. While his love of racing and championship victory provided the platform, his relatability and engagement with fans has elevated him to becoming a wider cultural figure. 

Norris’ feature on the list puts him in an exclusive club. Only two other F1 drivers have been featured on the Time 100 list, published annually since 2004: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

At just 26, Norris’s story is still unfolding. With a championship already secured, and influence continuing to grow, his inclusion on the 2026 Time 100 Most Influential List suggests that his impact is only just beginning.