Norris unfazed by Hamilton comparisons
Lando Norris insists while he is “motivated” by Lewis Hamilton’s success in Formula 1 he isn’t dwelling on being compared with reigning world champion as he continues his rise through the junior categories.
Norris has been tipped as Britain’s next superstar following his success in the FIA Euro F3 series last year, in which he went on to claim the drivers’ crown with nine wins.
The 18-year-old drove for McLaren in the 2017 young driver’s test in Hungary. An impressive outing forged a path for Norris to be confirmed as the team’s test and reserve driver for this season, as well as carrying out his F2 duties with Carlin.
Hamilton endured similar success at a lower level before storming onto the F1 stage in 2007, but despite the comparisons with the four-time champion, Norris says his focus lies on his own career.
Asked how he felt about the comparisons between himself and Hamilton, Norris said: “It gives me a bit of motivation, but not a huge amount.
“It’s 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.
“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 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.
“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.”