F1 News: Lando Norris Weighs In On Lewis Hamilton Contract Extension

Lando Norris has spoken out on Lewis Hamilton's two-year contact extension with Mercedes.

McLaren driver Lando Norris has weighed in on the news of Lewis Hamilton's two-year contract extension with Mercedes, taking the moment to say it "is a pleasure" to drive alongside "someone who I looked up to as a little kid".

The Brackley-based squad confirmed the contract extensions of both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell until the end of 2025 earlier today. Hamilton's contract has been a hot topic throughout the 2023 season as the Mercedes team has struggled to provide a car competitive enough to fight for the championship. The British driver has remained firm that he is eager to continue with his F1 career until he achieves his eighth championship title, and foresees this happening with the Mercedes team.

Listen To The Latest Driven Mad Podcast Episode

As the Formula One heads into the Italian Grand Prix weekend, many of the other drivers on the grid were asked about their thoughts on the contract extension during the Drivers' Press Conference. One of those being Norris, who commented:

“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.”

Interestingly, both Russell and Hamilton's new contracts expire just before the next regulation change which will be coming in for the 2026 season. Speaking about his extension, Hamilton explained:

“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."