I could be on the same path as Hamilton - Lando Norris

Emerging driver Lando Norris has been keen to avoid comparisons with Lewis Hamilton, but feels that following a similar path as the world champion in this early stage of his career can serve as a motivation for him to go all the way to F1 proper.

The Bristol-born 18-year-old has been making waves at a lower level in the last few seasons, and will compete in Formula 2 this year after his success at junior level.

Norris has also fulfilled a role as McLaren's reserve driver and many expect him to take on the mantle of Hamilton in the sport in the years to come.

The talented youngster said that following in Hamilton's footsteps - he also was hugely successful at junior level before making his way into Formula 1 - serves as a motivation for him, but also added that, at the moment, he is simply doing something that he enjoys.

He said: "It gives me a bit of motivation, but not a huge amount. It is good maybe to think you’re along the same path and he made it to Formula 1, now a four-time world champion. If I can kind of continue, maybe I can do the same. That’s a bit of motivation.

"I enjoy doing it, and that’s why I want to do it. Therefore I just try to focus on what I’m doing, make the most of working with the team, getting to know everyone, then doing the best I can, hopefully winning, which then makes it even more fun to go out and do.

"But apart from that, I don’t really try to think and dwell on what everyone else says. I’m only really doing it because I really enjoy it. It’s not like I don’t enjoy it and I’m just good at it, therefore I can hopefully make a career out of it.

"I tend not to really think about what other people say. I’d rather just try and focus on what I’m doing, try and win basically."