Lando Norris hails Lewis Hamilton as defining figure in F1 career

Lando Norris

Norris hails Hamilton as defining figure in F1 career

Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton have been racing each other in F1 for the past four seasons, but are now growing as friends

Harry Smith

Thursday 6 July 2023 16:48

Lando Norris has revealed that he and Lewis Hamilton are becoming close friends, while also hinting that the seven-time world champion helped to launch his F1 career.

The British pair have shared the track for four full seasons now since Norris made his McLaren debut at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.

Since Norris made the step up to F1 machinery, he and Hamilton have enjoyed some immense on-track battles, the latest of which came at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.

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Norris eventually got the better of his fellow Briton, calling out Hamilton's track limits violations on the radio as the seven-time world champion went on to pick up multiple time penalties.

Rivals, compatriots and friends

Speaking to BBC Sport about his relationship with Hamilton, Norris explained: "Over the last couple of months we have been getting to know each other a bit more.

"It's a pretty cool thing. I have so much respect for him and what he's been able to achieve in F1.

"He's part of the reason I'm an F1 driver, so it's weird thinking I'm now racing against him."

Norris then talked about the influence that Hamilton had made on his career since making the step up to F1.