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Lando Norris: From 'racing around the school playground' to F1 World Champion

Image of Lando Norris. He is wearing a bright orange hat with the black McLaren logo. He is wearing a black top with various logos on it, including McLaren and Android. He is pictured looking to the side of the camera and smiling. PA Media

Lando Norris is the new Formula 1 World Champion, and children at his old primary school couldn't be prouder.

The boy who once 'raced around the playground' at Chew Stoke Church School near Bristol has now raced to history.

Toby in Year 6 said: "It's amazing what Lando has achieved, we are all so proud of him. He has worked hard all season and it's been really inspiring for all of us at the school."

Charlie in Year 6 added: "We have followed Lando all season, earlier this year he sent us a video message after we had written to him. It was cool that he found time to message us back, we are all so proud he went to Chew Stoke Church School."

Ben Hewett, headteacher at the School said: "From racing around our school playground to racing on the world stage, Lando has shown extraordinary dedication, talent, and determination. We are all extremely proud of everything he has achieved and the inspiration he continues to be for our pupils and community."

A school class picture with children flanked by teachers wearing blue uniforms and white polo shirts. Chew Stoke Church School

Lando Norris [centre] in his reception class at Chew Stoke Church School

Childhood photo of Lando Norris. He has brown short hair and is wearing a racing suit. He is holding two trophies - one silver, and one goldMick Barrett Racing

Rob Dodds said Lando Norris was "one to watch" from the start of his career

Lando's championship triumph came after finishing third in the final race of the 2025 season, beating Max Verstappen by just two points.

Before becoming a global motorsport star, he grew up in Glastonbury and spent much of his childhood speeding around karting tracks.

Every week, he travelled with his dad and older brother, Oliver, to Dorchester for karting practice. Rob Dodds, who coached Lando at BKC Racing when he was only seven, says Lando is part of the reason he's seen the sport's popularity increase.

"There's a massive influx into karting and motorsport in general, really. Especially because Lando is so personable," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

Mr Dodds said watching Lando win the championship in Abu Dhabi felt "very surreal". He explained that young drivers face a lot of pressure: "It's massive. I don't think people actually realise how much pressure these young lads are under."

Explaining that as a youngster it was Lando's brother who pushed him to improve. "He had his brother to aspire to. He was a competent driver himself and there was a sibling rivalry. Whenever he went testing or racing, Lando wanted to be the fastest."

Childhood photo of Oliver Norris, Rob Dodds and Lando Norris.Rob Dodds

Rob Dodds (Centre) with Oliver (Left) and Lando Norris (Right)

Back at Chew Stoke Church School, teaching assistant Sue Lewis remembers Lando as a boy who "always wanted to win".

She added: "I know Lando is a great inspiration, certainly to all our children, they love hearing about him."

Ms Lewis said watching the race over the weekend had been "really nerve racking".

"We were all very confident our Lando could win it," she added.

"Lando has always been and always will be a lovely thoughtful little boy and young man."