Lando Norris has dismissed any doubts about Lewis Hamilton’s ability to compete for the Formula 1 title in 2025, insisting that questioning the seven-time world champion “is a bit silly.”
The 2024 season brought significant shifts in the sport, with McLaren re-emerging as a serious title contender.
Norris, who finished runner-up to Max Verstappen last year, enters the new season as the bookmakers’ favourite to claim his maiden championship.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s sensational move to Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes sent shockwaves through the paddock.
The Briton will now aim to give Ferrari its first driver’s title since Kimi Räikkönen’s triumph in 2007.
Norris opens up about Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari
Speaking at the launch of McLaren’s 2025 challenger, the MCL39, at Silverstone, Norris was asked whether he expected to see a rejuvenated Hamilton in his debut season with Ferrari.
“I would have thought so. I don’t know. Again, everyone’s different,” Norris told Sky Sports News.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s switch, he continued: “I think it’s cool what he’s doing and what he’s done and going to Ferrari. I think it’s very special. I think Ferrari is incredible.”
Norris explains: “I feel like he would struggle to find any reasons to not be motivated. You know, it’s an incredible opportunity for him. It’s a cool story.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of bonuses with a lot of things going over to Ferrari, so there’s a lot of reasons to be more motivated and be ready to go.
“It’s Lewis, and I think anyone who doubts him is a bit silly.”
No overconfidence despite favourite tag
Despite being tipped as the favourite for the 2025 title, Norris insists he remains grounded and will approach the season without “any overconfidence or too much arrogance.”
The 25-year-old secured his first four Grand Prix victories last year, including a triumph in Abu Dhabi that helped McLaren clinch the Constructors’ Championship. However, he ultimately finished 63 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.
“It’s a nice thing, so I appreciate all those guys out there and girls who are out there betting on me, but I’m focused on this year.” Norris said.
“I felt good after last season, I felt like I wanted to continue after Abu Dhabi. I ended on the right note and I knew I needed to improve on some areas and some things.”
The road to the top
While Norris is now regarded as a title favourite, his journey to the top has not been without its struggles. He has previously spoken openly about mental health challenges in Formula 1, the self-doubt, and the immense pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.
“I felt like I proved to myself that I got what it takes. You know, something clicks and you just feel like, ‘OK, I feel like I can do it now’.
“I’m definitely not coming in with any overconfidence, you know, or too much or arrogance. My whole life I’ve been telling myself that I can’t and it’s nice that I tell myself for once that I can and that the opportunity is there. I know I’m just changing.
“I’m learning. I’m finding new ways to motivate myself and to make myself feel correct. That is one of those things coming in here going ‘I can do it this year’.”
F1 drivers operate in an extreme environment where success is measured in fractions of a second. The pressure to perform can be relentless. The mental strain has become an increasing topic of discussion in recent years, with drivers such as Norris and Hamilton openly advocating for better support within the sport.
Focus on 2025
“It’s probably better telling myself that than ‘you’re not going to do it this year’. It’s easy things, but every person is different. You’ve got to find your own way,” Norris added.
“I’m coming in calm, I feel good and ready and I’m more prepared than ever, but I still know it’s going to be a very tough year.”
As the 2025 season gets underway, all eyes will be on whether Norris can deliver McLaren’s first driver’s title since Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in 2008—or if Hamilton himself can complete a fairytale debut with Ferrari.
Feature Image Credit: McLaren Racing
