Lando Norris Admits Lewis Hamilton’s 400th F1 Start Makes Him Want More Than One Championship

Lando Norris has admitted that Lewis Hamilton‘s extraordinary F1 longevity has made him rethink his own championship ambitions after securing his maiden title in 2025. Norris believes his fellow countryman’s continued competitiveness is an inspiration and has encouraged him to aim for more success in his career.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Sao Paulo GP, the McLaren driver was asked to reflect on Hamilton’s remarkable career and his achievement.

“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,” Norris said.

Norris also admitted that Hamilton’s success has changed his perspective on what he wants to achieve in Formula 1. He also revealed how the Ferrari driver motivates him to chase more championships.

“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,” Norris said.

“But that’s in a good way, that 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.”

Hamilton Reaches 400th Grand Prix Milestone

Hamilton will make his 400^th career Grand Prix start at Interlagos on Sunday. He will become only the second driver in F1’s history to reach the milestone after Fernando Alonso.

The Ferrari driver is regarded as the most accomplished driver in F1 history, and his ability to remain competitive at the highest level has impressed several drivers on the grid, including Norris.

Hamilton holds the joint record for the most F1 titles, at seven, tied with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher. He also holds the records for the most race victories with 106, pole positions (105), and podium finishes (209).

Lando Norris Praises Hamilton’s Continued Fight Against Leclerc

The McLaren driver also highlighted Hamilton’s ability to remain competitive against younger drivers, particularly his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.

At 41, the Briton continues to show the pace and determination that established him as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. He recently won his 105th career pole in Mexico, and his last win came in Barcelona this season.

Lando Norris pointed to Hamilton’s battles with Leclerc as evidence of his continued competitiveness still at the later stages of his career.

“I mean, 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,” Norris said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Lando Norris will start on pole on Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix after posting a fast lap of 1:27.470 in a rain-soaked, heavily delayed qualifying session at Interlagos. Hamilton will start the race from 20th position, one place ahead of Max Verstappen.

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Written by

Yash Soni

Yash Soni is a Formula 1 writer with over four years of experience in digital sports journalism. He specializes in F1 news, race analysis, team updates, and paddock stories. With a strong focus on accuracy, research, and SEO-driven storytelling, he aims to deliver engaging and informative coverage that keeps motorsport fans up to date with the latest developments in Formula 1.

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