After capturing his maiden Formula 1 title in 2025 and becoming the 35th world champion in the sport’s history, Norris has been nominated in the ‘World Breakthrough Star of the Year’ category. The Briton sealed the championship in dramatic fashion, overcoming four-time champion Max Verstappen by just two points following a tense season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Norris faces strong competition from across the sporting world, including footballer Desire Doue, tennis prospect Joao Fonseca, NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, darts sensation Luke Littler, and swimmer Zidi Yu.

Meanwhile, McLaren has been shortlisted for the ‘World Team of the Year’ award after securing back-to-back Constructors’ Championships in 2025. The Woking-based squad is up against a diverse field that includes the England women's national football team, the victorious European Ryder Cup team, India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup winners, NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder, and Paris Saint-Germain, who claimed their first UEFA Champions League title.

Interestingly, no Formula 1 driver has been nominated in the main ‘World Sportsman of the Year’ category this year. However, MotoGP champion Marc Marquez is among the contenders. The Spaniard produced a remarkable comeback season in 2025, returning to dominant form to secure his seventh premier class crown.

Marquez will compete against tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, pole vault icon Mondo Duplantis, and four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar.

Formula 1 has a strong history at the Laureus Awards, with previous ‘World Sportsman of the Year’ winners including Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Verstappen.

The winners of this year’s awards will be revealed during a ceremony in Madrid on 20 April.