Lando Norris has shared insights about his blossoming friendship with fellow British driver Lewis Hamilton as he prepares to race a car inspired by Hamilton’s championship-winning era.
Norris will showcase a throwback chrome livery on his McLaren at the British Grand Prix, reminiscent of the team’s period from 2006 to 2014.
It was during this time that Hamilton secured McLaren’s last world title in 2008, which left a lasting impression on a young nine-year-old Norris.
Reflecting on his relationship with his compatriot and their recent golf outing, Norris jokingly commented, “Yeah, I think I’ve inspired Lewis.
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“It’s growing [our relationship]. I think even over the last couple of months we’ve been getting to know each other a bit more and chatting a bit more, and it’s a pretty cool thing.”
Expressing his admiration for Hamilton’s accomplishments, Norris added, “I have so much respect for him and what he’s been able to achieve and still so much respect for what he’s doing now.”
While Norris prefers to observe and understand his idols’ thought processes subtly rather than asking direct questions, he finds it rewarding to spend time with individuals who excel in their respective sports.
Norris acknowledged the challenges of building a relationship when driving for different teams but highlighted the inspiration he draws from Hamilton.
He remarked, “It’s weird now to be racing against him, and raced quite a bit against him last weekend, so it’s cool, it’s an honour to be racing with him at the same time, and it’s a relationship that’s growing and changing because of where he is in his career.”
Discussing the significance of the upcoming livery, which evokes nostalgia from his formative years, Norris revealed, “I’ve asked Zak [Brown, team principal] since I joined to make the car chrome again because it’s why I started watching Formula 1 in 2006, 2007, 2008.
“It’s what made me fall in love with McLaren.”
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The young driver expressed excitement about reviving the iconic design in the modern era and how it connects to his aspirations of becoming a Formula 1 driver.
Norris emphasised the historical importance of the chrome livery for McLaren and the thrill of showcasing it at Silverstone in front of British fans.
He concluded, “It is such a big historic part of McLaren at the same time. It’s nice to bring it alive and especially at Silverstone racing in front of the British fans.”