Lando Norris Backs Lewis Hamilton to Return to Form in 2026
Newly-crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has expressed his confidence in Lewis Hamilton’s ability to bounce back to form in 2026. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, faced a challenging first year as a Ferrari driver in 2025, failing to secure a podium finish throughout the season. Despite this, Norris believes that Hamilton will regain his momentum, citing his impressive track record and ability to overcome difficult periods.
Norris, who won the title for McLaren by a narrow margin of two points, looks forward to competing against Hamilton at the front of the grid in the coming years. In an interview with Sky Sports, Norris acknowledged Ferrari’s struggles in 2025, but emphasized Hamilton’s exceptional skills and capacity to rebound from setbacks. “Obviously, Ferrari struggled a lot more this year than I think everyone was expecting,” Norris said. “Lewis has proved himself to be probably the best of all time. Everyone knows if anyone can bounce back from difficult years, it’s Mr. Hamilton, and I would love to race against him more.”
Norris’ Respect for His Rivals
Norris also spoke about his respect for his main rivals, including Hamilton and Max Verstappen. He acknowledged that he sometimes says things in the heat of the moment that he later regrets, but emphasized his genuine admiration for his competitors. “I know at times I say some stupid things, and I say some things about Max, or I might have said some things at times in the past that everyone talks about, about Lewis,” he said. “Some things I regret and I wish I could take back and never have come out my mouth.”
Norris specifically referenced a comment he made in the cooldown room following the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he reacted to a compliment from Hamilton by saying, “You had a fast car seven years ago. You had a quick car and now it’s us.” He clarified that such statements do not reflect his true feelings towards his rivals, and that he has immense respect for Hamilton’s achievements and status as a seven-time world champion.
A New Era for Formula 1
As the 2025 season comes to a close, the Formula 1 community is eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. With Norris’ championship win and Hamilton’s anticipated return to form, the 2026 season promises to be an exciting and competitive one. Norris’ admiration for his rivals and his desire to compete against the best drivers in the world demonstrate his commitment to the sport and his determination to succeed at the highest level.
As the newly-crowned world champion, Norris is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He will face stiff competition from Hamilton, Verstappen, and other top drivers, but he is confident in his abilities and those of his team. With his respect for his rivals and his focus on the upcoming season, Norris is poised to become a dominant force in Formula 1 for years to come.
