The likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have not been included.

Lando Norris is on Time magazine’s Time 100 list for 2026 after his F1 title triumph (Image: Getty)

Lando Norris has been named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world – alongside the likes of US president Donald Trump and Catholic leader Pope Leo XIV. Norris is the sole Formula 1 driver to feature on Time Magazine’s latest Time 100 list, and one of only a few sports stars, after his maiden title success last December.

World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler also features, alongside sprinter Noah Lyles and American Winter Olympics trio Chloe Kim, Hilary Knight and Alysa Liu. Bizarrely, TV star and socialite Paris Hilton was the author of the short entry explaining why the Norris, 26, is one of the world’s most influential figures.

She wrote: “I first met Lando Norris at F1 Miami, and I instantly loved his energy. He’s obviously incredibly talented, but what really makes him stand out is how kind, genuine, and down-to-earth he is. Even with all the pressure of the spotlight, he stays grounded, which is rare. Watching him become world champion in 2025 was honestly amazing – so well deserved, and such a major moment.

“I’ve also seen him with fans at races, and it’s very special. He takes the time to connect with everyone, and you can tell it truly means something to him. He’s so fun, warm, and approachable. I love that he’s inspiring so many people by showing that you can work hard, reach the top, and still stay completely true to yourself.”

Donald Trump is among several world leaders included on the latest Time 100 list (Image: Getty)

Hilton is the great-granddaughter of the founder of the global Hilton Hotels empire, which is a major sponsor of Norris’ McLaren team. This is the first time the British racer has been included on the Time 100 list, while snowboarder Kim is the only sports star who has featured before.

Explaining how Time decides who makes the list every year, editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs wrote: “There is no single metric that defines influence. Our selections are led by the stories that are shaping the world each year and the people who write them. Some are well known to many, others only within their fields.

“To find them, we poll our editors, reporters, and sources around the world, and review the recommendations that are sent to us every day. Few people, we suspect, will be familiar with all 100 individuals. We believe that is part of the appeal of the TIME100, now well into its third decade, and the reason it has endured.”

Chinese leader Xi Jinping features on the Time 100 list for the 14th time, making him by far the most prolific person of those chosen for the 2026 ranking. US president Trump is included for the eighth time, while there is a fifth nod for Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu who, along with Trump, has changed the face of geopolitics in recent months by launching a joint attack on Iran which has spiralled into a war in the Middle East.