Reigning FIA Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris got his British Grand Prix weekend off to a strong start today when he received the prestigious Motorsport UK Hawthorn Memorial Trophy for the second successive year.
The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy honours Mike Hawthorn, the first of 11 British F1 World Champions and since 1959 has been awarded annually to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the previous year’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Norris joined Motorsport UK Chair, David Richards CBE, and Chief Executive Officer, Hugh Chambers in the Silverstone paddock to receive the iconic trophy for a second time. This occasion holds added significance since it is awarded in celebration of his F1 World Championship.
Norris won his first F1 title in 2025, taking seven victories including the British Grand Prix. He secured the title at the final round in Abu Dhabi following a tense season-long battle with team-mate Oscar Piastri and defending four-time champion Max Verstappen.
In winning the F1 World Championship, Norris joins a list of greats including Sir Lewis Hamilton, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Jenson Button in winning the World Championship and the Hawthorn Trophy, which has also been awarded to commonwealth World Champion drivers Sir Jack Brabham, Denny Hulme, Alan Jones and Jacques Villeneuve. Last year’s winner Hamilton is the most successful recipient of the award, claiming the accolade 12 times. Other notable recipients include Sir Stirling Moss, David Coulthard, Mark Webber and current championship contender George Russell.
In reciprocation for receiving the Hawthorn Trophy, Lando – who recently joined Lewis and George on a historic all-British podium at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix – donated one of his racing crash helmets to Motorsport UK, where it will be on display at the governing body’s Bicester headquarters alongside those of Britain’s 10 other F1 World Champions.
“The Drivers’ World Championship win at the end of last season was a very proud moment for me, my family, my team and everyone at McLaren. I’m glad I was able to give the British supporters something to cheer about in return for backing me throughout my career and I hope I can give them more to cheer about this weekend.”
Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver, McLaren Racing
“It’s wonderful to be able to award the Hawthorn Trophy to the reigning FIA Formula 1 World Champion for the first time in five years. Lando had us all enthralled last year with his tenacious ability to step up to the next level when he needed to and not only keep the title battle alive throughout the season but to take the initiative when it most mattered in the final, deciding races. We are all very proud to see Lando become the 11th British World Champion and this award is in recognition of his magnificent achievement.”
Hugh Chambers, CEO, Motorsport UK