Norris challenges history: No Briton has ever defended their first title

The UK holds the F1 record with twenty-one titles across eleven drivers. The latest, Lando Norris, returned McLaren to glory last year. Now, he defends the number 1.

If successful, Norris would break a historic "curse" plaguing British champions. No driver hailing from the UK has ever successfully defended their maiden title immediately. Even seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton waited six years between his 2008 crown and his second in 2014.

Legends like Button, Damon and Graham Hill, Mansell, Hunt, Stewart, Clark, Surtees, and Hawthorn failed to retain their crown following their first triumph. Whether they won subsequent titles or not, immediate defense eluded them. It is up to Norris and McLaren to finally shatter this persistent statistic haunting those racing under the Union Jack.