Lando Norris Applauds Lewis Hamilton’s Extended Mercedes Contract Amidst Challenging Season
Young McLaren Talent Shares Admiration as Mercedes Secures Hamilton's Racing Future
McLaren’s rising star, Lando Norris, has added his voice to the chorus of reactions following the news of Lewis Hamilton’s recent two-year contract extension with the Mercedes Formula One team. In a statement that reverberates with admiration, Norris expressed that sharing the track with Hamilton, a figure he once admired as a young child, is an absolute delight. This sentiment highlights the profound impact Hamilton has had not only on the sport but also on his fellow drivers.
The Mercedes outfit, headquartered in Brackley, has made waves by securing the futures of both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell until the culmination of the 2025 season. The announcement comes at a crucial juncture, as the 2023 season has been rife with challenges for the Mercedes team, grappling to deliver a car that can genuinely contend for the championship. Throughout this turbulent season, Hamilton’s contractual situation has remained a focal point, a storyline that has now reached its conclusion with this extension.
Despite the tribulations that Mercedes has faced this year, Hamilton’s determination to clinch his eighth championship title has been unwavering. He envisions this triumph materializing within the Mercedes stable, further solidifying his status as one of Formula One’s all-time greats. The extension marks a bold step towards realizing this ambition and etching his name deeper into the annals of racing history.
As the Formula One calendar progresses and the excitement builds for the Italian Grand Prix, the paddock buzzes with inquiries about drivers’ perspectives on Hamilton’s extended tenure. The Drivers’ Press Conference ahead of the race provided a platform for many drivers to share their thoughts on the matter. Among those who shared their insights, Lando Norris delivered a particularly intriguing commentary. He noted the intriguing timing of both Russell and Hamilton’s contracts, coinciding with the imminent regulatory changes slated for the 2026 season. This strategic alignment could potentially shape the trajectory of their careers in unforeseen ways.
“To race against one of the best F1 drivers who has created a lot of history, written a lot of history…is a pleasure for all of us. Someone who I looked up to as a little kid.”
In a candid discussion about his contract extension, Lewis Hamilton elaborated on the intricacies of his decision. He underscored his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his career and his eagerness to navigate the upcoming changes while continuing to be an integral part of the Mercedes team.
“We dream everyday of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal. Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team.
“We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.”
