Norris says Hamilton's seven titles make one championship feel not enough

Lando Norris has said that Lewis Hamilton’s seven Formula 1 world titles have made him dissatisfied with winning just one, crediting his fellow Briton as the motivation behind a newly expanded set of championship ambitions.

Norris secured his maiden title in 2025 after a hard-fought campaign that saw him fend off McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and a late-season challenge from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Speaking to the media at Interlagos ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix — where Hamilton will make his 400th career start — Norris was asked to reflect on the Ferrari driver’s legacy.

“It’s seven. So, I don’t know how you want to sum it up,” Norris said. “It’s pretty unbelievable what he’s been able to do for such a long time, even to now, to see him fighting against Charles. I think Charles is easily one of the best on the grid. Insanely quick, and the fact that Lewis is still giving him a good fight, especially this year — he seemed to kind of look like he’s back to normal in terms of fighting at the front and proving that he’s one of the best out there.”

Norris acknowledged that Hamilton’s longevity at the sharp end of the grid is an inspiration across the paddock, though he stopped short of suggesting he would follow a similar path into his 40s.

“It’s a pretty incredible achievement for him to fight for this long. He’s a good inspiration for many of us. I certainly don’t think I’m going that far, but it’s a good thing to look forward to in terms of my career.”

The 2025 champion was candid about how Hamilton has recalibrated his own sense of satisfaction. “I know I was happy with one championship, but when I look at Lewis, he makes me not very happy to have only won one championship — but that’s in a good way. I can look at him and see him at his age, in his form, and it makes me believe more than ever that I can fight for many, many more years, and that’s something I look forward to doing.”