Lando Norris is not going to get to rejoice with the Woking locals earlier than the beginning of the season.
Lando Norris gained his maiden F1 title in 2025 (Picture: Getty)
McLaren have revealed that there aren’t any plans to rejoice Lando Norris’ maiden Drivers’ Championship title with a workforce celebration in Woking earlier than the beginning of the 2026 season, citing a busy pre-season schedule as the explanation.
Norris turned McLaren’s first world champion since Lewis Hamilton clinched the 2008 crown on the ultimate lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix over Felipe Massa. The Brit collected his trophy on the FIA’s prize-giving gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and celebrated with workforce employees on the McLaren Know-how Centre in Woking, however there will likely be no wider celebration on the town.
“I am afraid we cannot be internet hosting any celebrations in Woking this time, sadly, because the workforce are tremendous busy making ready for the season forward,” a McLaren spokesperson instructed the BBC.
This may come as a disappointment to the townsfolk and comes after Woking Borough Council chief Ann-Marie Barker penned a letter to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown in December, encouraging the workforce to share the 26-year-old’s crowning achievement with the native populations.
“I do hope that we will rejoice this historic achievement domestically,” Barker wrote final month. “February’s city‑centre celebration of your 2024 Constructors’ Championship was an incredible success, with actions totally booked and distinctive group engagement.
“We’d be delighted to help your future plans so our group can as soon as once more share within the pleasure of your success.”
Norris acquired to rejoice together with his workforce in Abu Dhabi (Picture: Getty)
Whereas the information will little question come as a disappointment to native followers, Norris’ triumph on the largest stage has delivered advantages for Woking, in line with native Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster.
“That is placing Woking on the map for all the correct causes, and it signifies that we as a city have gotten some civic pleasure and may really feel proud about our hometown and the place we’re from,” he instructed BBC Radio Surrey after Norris clinched the crown forward of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Norris and McLaren’s consideration is now turned to retaining each World Championships, however with new technical rules promising to shake up the pecking order this season, Andrea Stella’s squad face a tricky problem to show their titles right into a dynasty.
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As issues stand, McLaren are the one one of many 11 F1 groups but to announce their pre-season launch plans. The Woking-based squad will get their first style of on-track motion in 2026 on the finish of January when the groups head to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for a personal take a look at – the primary of three this winter.
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