McLaren’s Lando Norris has claimed that he would have “probably done the same” as Lewis Hamilton in his position and opted to leave Mercedes to go to Ferrari in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s upcoming debut campaign with Ferrari has been the biggest talking point in the lead-up to what is poised to be one of the closest seasons the sport has ever seen.
The Briton, who won 84 races and six titles at Mercedes, is bidding to end his illustrious career with one last championship, a record eighth with the sport’s most decorated side.
However, Hamilton’s bombshell switch has been viewed as a gamble amid his decision to take on a new challenge at 40 and his struggles in his final season with Mercedes.
Norris, though, has backed his compatriot’s move and believes he will be well-motivated to showcase that he is still able to operate at the level that earned him seven F1 titles.
When asked about Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari on ITV’s This Morning, Norris said: “It’s a cool story for him to go to Ferrari after everything he’s achieved. It’s a cool step.
“A lot of people said it’s probably not the right thing to do and so forth.
“I would probably do the same if I was in his position. It looks cool. It’s an amazing story for him.
“I know he’s going to want to go there with a fresh mindset and show everyone that he’s still got the Lewis Hamilton he showed for many, many years prior. We will wait and see.”
Norris relishing Hamilton-Ferrari battles
Norris is braced to be one opponent that Hamilton will have to overcome in his strive to regain the ultimate prize amid McLaren’s remarkable turnaround in recent seasons.
The Woking-based squad edged out Ferrari to take the Constructors’ Championship, while Norris’ breakthrough campaign saw him attain four wins to place second overall.
With the regulations remaining unchanged and Ferrari ending 2024 as McLaren’s closest challenger, Norris has expressed that he is relishing the battles with Hamilton.
“I mean when I am on track it doesn’t make a difference. He’s [Hamilton] a competitor and he’s a guy I want to beat,” he added.
“It’s the same when you’re on track with anyone. There’s always guys you give extra metres to and there’s guys you know you can race well and Lewis is one of those guys.
“Hopefully, I am excited to race against him more this year. It’s always an honour to race against someone like him.
“It’s something I am excited for and I want to prove myself. He wants to prove himself and he will continue to do and fight until he stops in Formula 1.”
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