Lando Norris reveals: How Formula 1 veteran Lewis Hamilton inspires him

When Lando Norris flips down his visor, every driver on the track plays one specific role for him – they are a rival he must beat. This also applies to his compatriot Lewis Hamilton, against whom the Briton competes just as fiercely as against any other opponent. But off the track, the seven-time world champion also serves as a role model for Norris.

The McLaren driver revealed this on the sidelines at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, in light of Hamilton’s milestone – his 400th Grand Prix start at Interlagos. “It’s almost unbelievable what he’s managed to achieve for so long – even now,” enthused the 27-year-old, who won the most recent race.

“It’s unbelievable how he’s battling against Charles Leclerc, who’s easily one of the best on the grid. He’s incredibly fast, and the fact that Lewis can still stand up to him and put up a good fight, especially this year, is remarkable,” Norris continued. “I think everyone enjoys seeing Charles perform better and get more out of the car.”

“The last few years probably weren’t quite to his liking, as far as the cars and regulations are concerned. But now he’s back to his old self and battling at the front. He’s proving once again that he’s one of the best. It’s an incredible achievement to be able to keep up for so long,” praised the 14-time Grand Prix winner, who also admitted: “He’s a great inspiration to many of us.”

“I don’t think I’ll achieve the same thing – I certainly won’t – but it’s something that gives me a sense of joy when it comes to my own career. I’m happy with my title, but when I look at Lewis, I don’t want to settle for just one title. I mean that in a positive way – seeing him in top form at his age makes me believe more than ever that I can keep fighting here for many, many more years. And I’m really looking forward to that,” explains the McLaren star, who is competing in his eighth GP season this year.

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