Norris hoping to emulate Hamilton

Lando Norris has respected the comparisons currently being made between himself and Lewis Hamilton due to how young he is making his start in Formula One next season, and hopes to emulate his compatriot - first by race wins then hopefully by championship wins.

The driving line-up for the 2019 F1 campaign has been given a significant shake-up in recent weeks, with Fernando Alonso announcing his retirement from the sport to pursue World Endurance Championship ambitions and Daniel Ricciardo ditching Red Bull in favour of Renault.

The most recent development has come from McLaren, who have opted to call-up 18-year-old Norris to F1 for his debut next year. The young age of the driver, as well as his nationality, have led to comparisons being made to the career-beginnings of Hamilton, but the young man is keeping his feet on the ground even if the comparison is welcomed.

"It's nice to be compared to such a good driver," Norris said of the four-time world champion.

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"I have admired Lewis since I started watching Formula One because I know how a good a driver he is and I know how hard it is. And for him to have done as well as he has done is pretty impressive.

"Hopefully one day I can have as many championship wins as he has. But I think more of my focus is on next year rather than thinking what could happen."

Hamilton was 22 when he was handed his debut, while Jenson Button started when he just was 20-years-old, which means Norris is set to break that record when he gets behind the wheel next year. Age, however, is not a concern for the young starlet.

"It doesn't matter if I was older - 20, 21, 22, whatever. I think I would still do the same job," he continued.

"It feels good that they believe in me, I think that's very important. The top category of racing, it's a cruel world so we'll see how it goes."