# Lando Norris risks F1 record

> Norris threatens to become first reigning F1 champion to finish outside top five.
- Title: Lando Norris risks F1 record · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: Norris threatens to become first reigning F1 champion to finish outside top five. Lando Norris risks becoming first reigning F1 champion since Damon Hill in…
- Keywords: lando norris, mcclaren, formula 1, damon hill, championship, title defence, sports, cars, Lando, Norris, risks, record
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/lando-norris-risks-unwanted-f1-record-as-disastrous-title-defence-continues/10866802
- Author: Alex Harrington
- Published: 2026-10-21T22:04:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lando norris, mcclaren, f1, formula 1, damon hill, championship, title defence, sports, cars
## Norris title defence
Lando Norris risks becoming first reigning F1 champion since Damon Hill in 1997 to finish outside top five.
## Current standings
Norris sits sixth with 201 points, 14 points behind Leclerc and 20 behind Verstappen.
## Historical context
Damon Hill finished 12th in 1997 after dropping from Williams.
## Past champions
All past champions finished fifth or better in title defences since 1997.
## Team struggles
McLaren says car is too slow and difficult to drive for upcoming races.

> The car's not quick enough and it's too difficult to drive. We're a long way off
## Key takeaway

Lando Norris risks becoming first reigning F1 champion since Damon Hill in 1997 to finish outside top five in title defence.