Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has expressed his desire to compete more frequently against Lewis Hamilton. Norris secured his first F1 world title in 2025 by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, narrowly beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by two points.
The McLaren driver became the 11th British F1 world champion and hopes to continue racing alongside seven-time champion Hamilton in 2026. Hamilton endured a tough debut season with Ferrari, failing to reach the podium and ending his winless streak for the year. Despite this, Norris believes Hamilton will make a strong comeback next season.
“We’ve already had some great battles. I’d like to race Lewis more often,” Norris told Sky Sports News. “Ferrari has struggled more than expected, but Lewis is arguably the greatest of all time, and if anyone can recover from a tough year, it’s him. I’d love the chance to compete with him again.”
Norris added, “Racing alongside the best drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lewis, and Max Verstappen is always an honor. Many are eager to follow their footsteps, including George Russell and Oscar Piastri, which makes the grid highly competitive.”
Looking ahead, Norris is ready to defend his championship amid F1’s upcoming rule changes that could alter the competitive landscape. “Next year, everyone has a shot at the title. People want to take my crown, but I’m prepared to fight to keep it,” said the 26-year-old.
Before the new season, Norris plans to enjoy some downtime with family and friends. “Everyone on the team has had plenty of rest, but next year will start earlier with a shorter break. I’ll make sure to enjoy the time away before training resumes for the season ahead,” he shared.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for racing fans as it signals the rise of a new British champion while setting the stage for legendary rivalries in the coming seasons. Norris’s respect for Hamilton and high-profile competitors promises thrilling battles that could redefine the sport’s competitive dynamics.
