Speedy New police dog named after F1 champion

Newly crowned Formula One world champion Lando Norris has kicked off 2026 with yet another accolade – a police dog named in his honour.

PD Lando, a 15-month-old Belgian Malinois, needed a new name when he was recruited from a private breeder last summer.

With his impressive turn of speed, calm demeanour, and his handler’s love of motorsport, the name Lando seemed a perfect fit.

Shortly after his human namesake became Britain’s eleventh world champion, PD Lando was completing eight weeks of intensive training with dog handler and F1 fan PC Jonathan Whysall.

Having passed a demanding examination covering all key policing disciplines, the duo are now out on patrol serving the public.

PC Whysall, a dog handler for more than 12 years, explained:

“My old dog Dexter was getting ready to retire, so I was paired with a new dog late last year.

“The rest of the team know I’m an F1 fan, so they suggested the name Lando.

“First and foremost, he’s very fast – which ticks the most important box. He’s also calm and reserved, much like Lando Norris himself.

“Funnily enough, my old dog Dexter was far more uncompromising – maybe more like Max Verstappen in nature!”

Sergeant Nick Dachtler, lead dog trainer at Nottinghamshire Police, added:

“Lando has shown great promise in training, particularly in tracking people and objects.

"He’s got a big name to live up to, but I’m confident he’ll enjoy a long and successful career serving the public.”