Despite securing the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, Lando Norris has yet to accomplish the rare F1 Grand Slam, a feat that multiple-time champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have achieved several times. Norris’ pursuit of this milestone continues as he prepares to defend his title in the 2026 season.
After narrowly missing out to Verstappen in 2024, Norris delivered a series of exceptional races in 2025, culminating in winning the championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging Verstappen by just two points. With McLaren poised to compete against teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, Norris aims both to maintain his championship form and secure his first Grand Slam.
Understanding What Constitutes a Grand Slam in F1
An F1 Grand Slam occurs when a driver achieves four specific accomplishments during a single Grand Prix: starting from pole position, leading every lap of the race, winning the event, and setting the fastest lap. This combination represents one of the most dominant performances a driver can deliver in Formula 1.
The first recorded Grand Slam was achieved by Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix. The record for the most Grand Slams belongs to Jim Clark, who earned eight during his career. On the current grid, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both have six Grand Slams each.
Other drivers with a single Grand Slam include Charles Leclerc, who achieved it in 2022, and Fernando Alonso, who did so in 2010. Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri earned his first Grand Slam at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, marking the first time a McLaren driver reached this achievement since Mika Hakkinen at Monaco in 1998.
How Close Has Norris Come to Completing a Grand Slam?
Lando Norris has approached the Grand Slam on multiple occasions, demonstrating his potential to join the exclusive group of drivers to have done so. In 2024 at the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris started on pole and led from start to finish, winning convincingly. Yet, the fastest lap was taken by Daniel Ricciardo during his final Formula 1 race, denying Norris the Grand Slam.
In 2025, Norris came near once again at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he dominated much of the race but missed out on the fastest lap, which was recorded by Mercedes’ George Russell. These close calls highlight the challenge and rarity of securing all four components of a Grand Slam, even for top drivers like Norris.
The Importance of the Grand Slam and What Lies Ahead
Achieving a Grand Slam is a hallmark of dominance in Formula 1 and would add a significant accolade to Norris’ growing reputation. As he enters the 2026 season determined to defend his world title, securing his first Grand Slam remains a key personal ambition. Doing so would not only place him alongside the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen but also affirm McLaren’s resurgence as a competitive force in the sport.
With fierce competition expected from leading teams and drivers, Norris’ pursuit of the Grand Slam will be closely watched by fans and experts alike, adding extra intrigue to what promises to be another thrilling F1 season.
