Norris Defends Hamilton After Career Scrutiny Amid F…read more
Lando Norris has come to the defence of Lewis Hamilton following rising criticism of the seven-time world champion’s recent performance in Formula 1. Hamilton’s much-hyped move to Ferrari has yet to bear fruit, with his lack of championship contention and growing disparity with team-mate Charles Leclerc becoming a major talking point ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Former Mercedes driver and one-time Hamilton team-mate, Nico Rosberg, voiced concerns during Sky Sports’ coverage, admitting he was baffled by the British driver’s lack of form and questioning whether age may be diminishing Hamilton’s on-track sharpness. At 40, Hamilton is the oldest driver on the grid and remains without a win this season. His post-race interviews have often been laced with frustration and disappointment, and he labelled his performance in Spain as “terrible” as McLaren stormed to a commanding one-two finish, leaving Ferrari in their wake.
Despite this, Hamilton has received vocal support from both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who praised the champion’s impact on and off the track. In a recent feature on McLaren’s official website, Norris reflected on how Hamilton had been a personal inspiration to him growing up. “When I started watching Formula 1, I was supporting Lewis Hamilton,” Norris said. “Lewis was the guy at McLaren, and he was kind of a reason why I got into Formula 1 in the first place.”
Norris’s praise was echoed by his team-mate Oscar Piastri, who also paid tribute to Hamilton’s legacy, stating that the veteran was undoubtedly among the all-time greats of Formula 1. The comments highlight the level of respect Hamilton continues to command, even among his fiercest on-track competitors.
Although Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter has not yet delivered the success many hoped for, his stature within the sport remains unquestioned. With seven world titles and over 100 Grand Prix victories, he remains the most successful F1 driver in history. However, his influence extends far beyond the racetrack.
Hamilton has become a global role model, particularly noted for his advocacy in social justice, diversity, and education reform. His charitable foundation, Mission 44, recently published a comprehensive set of recommendations to the UK government addressing systemic issues in education. This initiative came in response to troubling statistics showing disproportionately high levels of suspensions and exclusions among marginalized students. As part of his campaign, Hamilton met with newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street to discuss his personal experiences with education, candidly stating that he felt school had “failed” him.
Norris acknowledged Hamilton’s dual impact – both in sport and society – noting that his achievements away from the track are just as remarkable as his race records. “Seven World Championships, over 100 wins – if I get anywhere close to that in my racing career, then I’ll be pretty happy,” Norris said. “It’s not only that, but also what he’s done away from the track. It’s not easy to accomplish so much away from the track and remain focused on racing. I think he’s set a pretty good standard for what an F1 driver can do.”
While speculation around Hamilton’s form continues, the backing of younger stars like Norris and Piastri serves as a reminder of the immense legacy he has already secured. Whether his Ferrari stint ultimately delivers another title or not, Hamilton’s place in the history of Formula 1—and in the hearts of those he inspired—is firmly cemented.
