Lando Norris has won the Formula 1 world title in 2025, a feat that turned the sport on its head after years of dominance by Max Verstappen. The last race in Abu Dhabi was the setting for a thrilling duel, with Norris taking third place with just enough points to keep Verstappen – who won the race – behind by just two points. It was the first British world champion since Lewis Hamilton, and the end of a long drought for McLaren.
However, the title does not remain uncontroversial, especially after recent statements that put family ties and financial backgrounds in the spotlight.
“Losing to the millionaire’s son is nothing surprising,” Jos Verstappen unexpectedly revealed the truth, presenting evidence that Adam Norris had done everything he could to help his son win the championship title. Max Verstappen’s father, himself a former Formula 1 driver and known for his direct style, made this statement in a context that quickly went viral on social media and in F1 circles. According to sources close to the Verstappen camp, Jos would have pointed out the enormous financial support that Adam Norris has given to Lando since his karting days.
Adam Norris, a successful entrepreneur in the pensions sector, built a fortune estimated at more than £200 million. He founded Pensions Direct, which was later acquired by Hargreaves Lansdown, allowing him to retire as a multi-millionaire at the age of 36.
That wealth played a crucial role in Lando’s career path. Motorsport is expensive, especially in the lower classes such as karting, Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula 2. Without substantial backing, it is impossible for many talents to progress to the top. Adam Norris reportedly invested tens of millions to pave Lando’s path, including sponsorship, training and logistics. Jos Verstappen suggested that this kind of support was not just logistical, but may have also crossed boundaries in the professional sphere, hinting at influence on teams, technical choices or other factors that would have affected the competition.
He presented what he said was “evidence” – although it remained unclear what exactly, ranging from documents about investments to testimonials from the paddock. The claim came as a bombshell: losing to “the millionaire’s son” would not be a surprise, because the playing field would no longer be level for a long time.
Lando Norris immediately denied it. In a short response after Jos Verstappen’s statements, he announced through his team that all accusations were unfounded. “My success comes from hard work, the team and the car. Not from anything else,” he said firmly. Lando emphasized that he performed consistently in 2025, winning races and making a comeback after a difficult start to the season. McLaren had the fastest car in the second half of the year, but Norris also had to overcome setbacks such as reliability problems and strategic missteps.
He pointed out that Max Verstappen made a phenomenal catch-up race from a deficit of more than 100 points, with a car that was not always competitive due to internal problems at Red Bull. It was a season full of drama, with varying dominance and a title battle that lasted until the final round.
A few minutes later the result was unimaginable… The FIA announced that there would be a formal investigation into Jos Verstappen’s claims. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, quickly responded to the commotion and confirmed that any allegations of unfair influence would be taken seriously. Teams and riders were called on to share information, and there was even talk of a possible review of certain 2025 results if evidence showed rules had been broken.
The Formula 1 world held its breath: would Norris’ title be in jeopardy? Or would it remain empty words?
The controversy exposes how sensitive the issue of wealth and privilege is in sports. Adam Norris isn’t the only wealthy parent – think Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin or Dietrich Mateschitz at Red Bull in the past – but his public presence and recent comments made him a target. After the title win in Abu Dhabi, Adam himself said in interviews that “you only remember the winner” and that second places are forgotten, which many took as a sneer at Max Verstappen and his family.
Jos Verstappen, who is always fierce when it comes to his son, hit back with his own account of unfair advantages.
Yet Lando Norris remains world champion. The FIA investigations often take months, and so far no concrete evidence has emerged that would invalidate the title. Fans are divided: some see Norris as a deserved champion who finally broke through, others continue to doubt the role of the family capital. The 2025 season ended with tears on the track, hugs with father Adam and mother Cisca, and an all-night party. But the shadow of Jos Verstappen’s words still hangs over the crown.
For 2026, Norris chooses the number 1 on his car, a symbol of his status as reigning champion. The regulations change drastically with new engines and cars, and the battle with Verstappen promises to become even more intense. Only time will tell whether the accusations of unfair aid will hold up. For now, Lando Norris is at the top, but the discussion about what it really takes to become world champion in Formula 1 is further than ever.
