Lando Norris has expressed his excitement about continuing to race against the legendary Lewis Hamilton as the Mercedes driver penned a fresh two-year contract extension.
The long-awaited announcement by Mercedes on Thursday, August 31st, put an end to months of speculation, securing Hamilton’s presence in the team until at least the end of 2025.
Since joining the F1 grid in 2019, Norris has engaged in exhilarating wheel-to-wheel battles with Hamilton, earning respect and admiration from the motorsport community.
One notable showdown occurred during the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix when Hamilton finally overtook Norris and lauded him, saying, “such a great driver Lando.”
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The two talented drivers also fiercely contested the Russian Grand Prix later that year, with Hamilton emerging victorious after a tactical pit stop for Intermediate tires, while Norris chose to stay out.
Reflecting on the opportunity to race against a seven-time World Champion, Norris said, “It’s great, and it’s always been a pleasure to race against him.
“This year, we’ve had a few more battles, and it is a cool thing to race against someone who is one of the best drivers in Formula 1 and who has created and written a lot of history.
“It is a pleasure for all of us, including myself [to race against Hamilton].
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“He is someone I looked up to when I was a little kid, and I still get a chance to race against him now, so I am happy we’ll continue to do so for a couple more years.”
Norris’s enthusiasm for the ongoing rivalry was echoed by former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who shared his thoughts on Hamilton’s decision to renew his contract.
Bottas noted, “He [Hamilton] has still got the fire to try and get back up there again,” suggesting that Hamilton remains as determined as ever to secure further championship titles.