McLaren driver Lando Norris has shared his thoughts on the influential role played by Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton in his career, describing him as “very inspiring.” Norris has noticed a growing connection between himself and the fellow British driver and seven-time world champion, stating that they have been getting to know each other better in recent months.
At 23 years old, Norris expressed his respect for Hamilton’s remarkable achievements in F1, acknowledging him as one of the reasons he pursued a career in the sport. The McLaren driver now finds himself racing against his once-inspiration, a fact that he finds both strange and exciting.
As one of the prominent figures among the new generation of drivers, Norris has been actively observing and learning from Hamilton, who is 38 years old. Although he admits to not being the type to directly ask many questions, Norris adopts a more subtle approach to understand the mindset and unique qualities that make Hamilton exceptional.
Norris finds great value in spending time with top athletes in any sport, as it allows him to gain insights and learn from those he deeply respects. The recent on-track battle with Hamilton during the Austrian Grand Prix further solidified Norris’ belief in his own potential. With a renewed aerodynamic setup and the introduction of new components, McLaren showed promise in Austria, and Norris is optimistic about his chances of being the leading British driver at the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
To commemorate Hamilton’s era at McLaren, the team will feature a one-off livery reminiscent of the silver-colored cars from that time. The design pays homage to both Hamilton and a sponsor associated with the team, a well-known internet browser. This special livery holds personal significance for Norris, who recalls being inspired by Hamilton’s fierce rivalry with Fernando Alonso during their time as McLaren teammates in 2007. For Norris, this unique livery allows him to relive the passion that initially ignited his own journey into Formula 1.
Although racing at his home circuit adds a certain level of pressure, Norris remains unfazed. While acknowledging the desire to perform well in front of the home crowd, he considers the British Grand Prix to be the most enjoyable and exciting weekend of the season. Looking ahead, Norris hopes that the event will proceed without disruptions similar to those caused by the Just Stop Oil protestors during the previous year’s race. He believes that expressing opinions and engaging in protests are essential but emphasizes the importance of doing so responsibly and safely.
Norris is confident in Silverstone’s ability to prevent such incidents and hopes that people will find alternative, less risky methods to raise awareness for their causes. In alignment with Hamilton’s stance, he supports peaceful protests and encourages individuals to stand up for what they believe in, as long as it is done in a respectful and appropriate manner.
