In December, Lando Norris secured the prestigious Formula 1 world championship, edging out a fierce contest involving McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This victory made Norris the 11th British driver to claim the title and marked the third British champion of the 21st century, restoring Britain’s place at the pinnacle of F1 four years after Verstappen ended Lewis Hamilton’s dominance.
Following his remarkable triumph, Norris received a nomination for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Award, ultimately finishing third behind golfer Rory McIlroy and rugby player Ellie Kildunne. David Beckham, a celebrated British athlete known for his footballing achievements and lasting influence, famously won the same award in 2001.
Lando Norris Shares Details of Message from David Beckham
During an appearance on the Fast and the Curious podcast, Norris revealed that football icon David Beckham had sent him a congratulatory message after clinching the F1 crown. The title fight was intense, with Norris finishing third in the Abu Dhabi finale and narrowly beating Verstappen by two points.
Beckham, an avid Formula 1 fan who has attended multiple Grand Prix events, has a history of celebrating British racing successes, including those of Lewis Hamilton. Norris explained their interaction, stating,
“We speak every now and then about different things,”
Norris said. “He did send me a message. David’s always great.
He’s in the garage every now and then in Bahrain, Qatar, a few different places. He’s a cool guy. It’s always nice when he pops up.”
How Lando Norris’s Football Allegiances Evolved Over Time
David Beckham is renowned as a Manchester United legend, having made nearly 400 appearances for the club between 1992 and 2002, winning six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League during that span. Born in 1999, Norris was too young to watch Beckham’s later years at Old Trafford but initially supported Manchester United in the 2000s due to his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reflecting on his childhood football loyalties, Norris shared in 2021,
“I have two [football teams],”
he said. “My favourite team growing up was Bristol City because it’s where I grew up, a little bit, and my dad was very good friends with the guy who owned Bristol City.
I feel like people are going to slate me for it, but then it was Man U, but only when Ronaldo was there. That was the team I supported when Ronaldo was there.”
Although Norris was seen wearing a Manchester United shirt last year, he no longer identifies as a football fan. He stated,
“I don’t watch football anymore, I’m not a football fan, so [I support] no-one,”
making clear his shift away from the sport.
The Broader Importance of Norris’s Rise in British Motorsport
Lando Norris’s championship win revitalizes British enthusiasm for Formula 1, positioning him as the sport’s new homegrown superstar. His connection with figures like David Beckham highlights the increasing crossover of interest between different sports sectors within Britain. As Norris continues his career, his presence is likely to inspire a new generation of British racing talent and help maintain the country’s legacy in Formula 1.
