Reigning world champion Lando Norris drew attention earlier this week with his statements during a McLaren event in London. In front of his home crowd, the 26-year-old driver was asked what he expects from Lewis Hamilton in the upcoming F1 season; after all, the celebrated Brit had a disappointing season at Ferrari last year. Norris immediately pointed to the seven titles Hamilton has won in the past, although according to him, it should have actually been eight.
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Lando Norris and Zak Brown were asked about their expectations for 2026 in the presence of the papaya army. Lewis Hamilton was also discussed. After a first season without podium finishes for the seven-time world champion, there are many questions regarding his competitiveness. “He didn’t just win seven titles by accident,” Norris began. Encouraged by the crowd, he added: “That should have been eight, of course.”
Norris was referring to the controversial conclusion of the 2021 season. During the final race, an eighth title for Hamilton was within reach, but a late safety car turned the championship around and Max Verstappen walked away with the top prize. The Dutchman now has four titles to his name, and reigning champion Norris is seen as his new rival. Nevertheless, the Brit does not rule out wanting to drive in the same team as the Red Bull driver one day.
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In one team with Verstappen
Not much later, he was asked who he would like to form a team with in the future. Norris immediately mentioned Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, multiple world champions of yesteryear. “And Sainz, right?” Zak Brown added. The Spaniard already drove alongside Norris at McLaren between 2019 and 2020; the two maintained a close friendship. “Carlos is a good one too, indeed,” Norris replied. “But I would also like to have Max as a teammate one day,” he added. This led to loud jeering from the crowd. Watch footage of the event below:
Lando Norris: “(Lewis Hamilton) has … won seven world championships *pause* … should have been eight.” pic.twitter.com/8xQ5DafZ0A
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— sim (@simscircuit) February 24, 2026
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