Lando Norris won his first Formula 1 world championship last year. After a thrilling title battle with teammate Oscar Piastri and rival Max Verstappen, he secured his first title in the final race in Abu Dhabi. Even as the reigning world champion, however, Norris still has a number of role models within Formula 1. On behalf of McLaren, he listed his four favorite drivers of all time.
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For the McLaren Racing Club, a new fan initiative from the British racing team, Lando Norris was asked about his ‘Mount Rushmore of F1 drivers’, or his four favorite drivers of all time. Norris listed four great champions, two of whom are still active in the premier class.
“Let me start with two Brits,” said the English champion. “Jenson (Button, ed.) and Lewis (Hamilton, ed.). Those were the guys I looked up to as a kid; I cheered for them and at the same time they inspired me. Two Brits, two incredible drivers and, moreover, two McLaren drivers. So yes, they are definitely among my favorites.” Button and Hamilton were teammates at McLaren between 2010 and 2013. Both had a world title to their name at that time.
Vettel and Alonso
“Three and four, that’s a bit trickier,” Norris continued. “But I’ll probably go for Sebastian Vettel. Also because he’s a nice guy, a good person.” The German, who won four titles with Red Bull and then made the switch to Ferrari, had a lot of influence on Norris in his heyday. “When I was growing up and started racing cars, he won his championships with Red Bull,” he explained. “That was very special to see. He was a passionate man and always looked stylish – also because of his striking helmets. Because of that, he managed to distinguish himself and, as far as I’m concerned, earned third place.”
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The final spot on Norris’ Mount Rushmore is reserved for Fernando Alonso, the longest-serving F1 driver of all time. “At number four, I have to choose Fernando,” said the 26-year-old driver. “When I was growing up, I also looked up to him. In addition, I worked with him during my first year at McLaren. He’s just a great guy and a nice person. I get along very well with him.”
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