Young, fast, media-savvy, and highly talented, Norris represents a new generation of drivers who are redefining how fans connect with the sport.

Born in 1999 in Bristol, England, Norris rose through the junior racing ranks with remarkable speed. He won the Formula Renault Eurocup, FIA Formula 3 European Championship, and impressed in Formula 2 before making his Formula 1 debut with McLaren in 2019 at just 19 years old. From his very first season, it was clear that Norris was special - combining raw speed with maturity, race intelligence, and a calm approach under pressure.

However, what makes Norris stand out, aside from his adaptability and racecraft, is the persona he has outside of the cockpit.

Norris has embraced social media and has amassed a dedicated number of fans across the world. He has been extremely honest about his own struggles with mental health. Traditionally, this was a topic rarely, if ever, mentioned in Formula 1 circles, but Norris has worn his heart on his sleeve.

Socially, he straddles the diversity of F1 world champions before him. The vast intricacies and creativity of Lewis Hamilton’s social posts juxtaposed with the output from Max Verstappen, Norris sits somewhere in the middle.

When comparing his driving styles to the two previous World Champions to have raced in Jeddah - Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen – there are clear differences that mark Norris out as very much his own driver. Verstappen represents relentless aggression and supreme confidence, dominating the sport with Red Bull through precision and intensity. Hamilton, on the other hand, is the benchmark of greatness, with seven world titles built on consistency, intelligence, and a legacy that transformed Formula 1 globally.

Norris sits somewhere between them. Like Verstappen, he is fearless in wheel-to-wheel combat. Like Hamilton, he understands the bigger picture of racing and branding. However, it is Norris’s openness -s especially with regards to his own mental health journey - that brings something new, both on track and off it. This transparency resonates strongly with younger fans who want authenticity from their sporting heroes.

For a Saudi Arabian Formula 1 fan, Norris symbolises the sport’s future, and one that aligns with the Kingdom’s growing role in global motorsport. The FORMULA 1 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX showcases speed, modernity, and ambition, values that reflect Norris’s own career.

Moreover, this year he will be chasing his first victory in the Kingdom. With his powerful social media reach, roots in online racing, and approachable personality, he connects effortlessly with Saudi Arabia’s digitally savvy audience, positioning him as a major fan favorite and a hugely compelling potential winner.

As Formula 1 expands into new regions and cultures, drivers like Norris are essential. He is helping Formula 1 evolve by bridging generations, welcoming new fans, and proving that the future of the sport is not only fast, but relatable - values that we can see in the Kingdom’s own growing global motorsport portfolio.

2026: New Cars, New Teams, New Champion

The 2026 season promises to be a landmark year for Formula 1, with the introduction of all-new cars designed to deliver closer, more unpredictable racing. The grid will also expand with Cadillac joining as an 11th team, while Audi makes its long-awaited debut. Jeddah will welcome a new reigning World Champion for the first time since 2021, as McLaren’s Lando Norris arrives to defend his title against four-time champion Max Verstappen and teammate

Oscar Piastri. F1 Academy will also return, continuing to showcase the next generation of female racing talent.

Off track, fans can once again expect a world-class live music programme. Following performances in recent years from global artists including Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez and Usher, the 2026 Grand Prix will deliver another international entertainment lineup, further cementing Jeddah’s status as a leading destination for sport and entertainment.