Lando Norris has praised Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time Formula 1 world champion claimed his first victory as a Ferrari driver at the Spanish Grand Prix, describing the moment as special for both Hamilton and Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton took a landmark win for the Maranello team in Barcelona, converting Ferrari’s growing potential into a breakthrough result after several weekends of progress. Lando Norris finished third in the race, sharing the podium with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in what became a memorable all-British top three.
Asked after the Spanish Grand Prix for his reaction to Lewis Hamilton’s first win in red, Lando Norris said it was impressive to see how strongly the Ferrari driver had responded after a difficult adaptation period.
“I think pretty cool. It’s pretty special. It’s nice,” Lando Norris said. “You know, the last few weekends he’s certainly seemed to have upped his game and as much as it, yeah, was something we once could kind of take advantage of and try and make the most of, it seems like he’s making the most of what he’s got now, and that’s cool to see.”
Lando Norris also reflected on the significance of seeing Lewis Hamilton succeed with Ferrari, especially given Hamilton’s status as one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history. The McLaren driver admitted that, while his perspective has changed since becoming a rival on the grid, he still holds great respect for Hamilton.
“I grew up as a fan of Lewis and I don’t know if I would still say I’m like that kind of fan, but I’m still a fan of him,” Lando Norris explained. “And as a seven-time World Champion, it’s always a pleasure to see those kinds of things.”
For many Formula 1 fans, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the biggest storylines of the modern era. After a challenging start to life at Maranello, the Spanish Grand Prix victory offered the clearest sign yet that the partnership is beginning to deliver.
Lando Norris suggested that this made the result even more meaningful, adding: “And with Ferrari again, it’s even cooler to kind of see that partnership come through and kind of pay dividends, as it is doing now. So, yeah, special.”
Lando Norris highlights all-British Spanish GP podium
The Barcelona podium also carried historical weight. With Lewis Hamilton first, George Russell second and Lando Norris third, three British drivers stood together on a Formula 1 podium, something Norris suggested had not happened since 1968.
“And also, to share the podium with him and then with George, to have three Brits up there, I think the first time since 1968, I think someone said,” Lando Norris continued. “Pretty special, pretty cool for us to represent our country that way.”
Beyond the national significance, the result also underlined the strength of Britain’s current Formula 1 generation. Lewis Hamilton remains a benchmark figure, while George Russell and Lando Norris continue to establish themselves among the leading drivers on the grid.
Lando Norris hopes Lewis Hamilton does not stay this fast all season
Despite his admiration, Lando Norris also admitted that Lewis Hamilton’s sudden rise in form could make life more difficult for McLaren if Ferrari continues to perform at this level.
“And, yeah, I’m happy for him. I hope he’s not this fast the whole season, because it would be nice if we could battle a bit more, but good for him,” Lando Norris said.
The comment reflected the competitive reality facing McLaren and its rivals. If Ferrari can keep improving the SF-26 and Lewis Hamilton continues to feel more comfortable in the car, the battle at the front of the field could become even more intense in the coming races.
Lando Norris also pointed out how much the victory appeared to mean to Lewis Hamilton, particularly after the criticism he has faced during his Ferrari transition.
“I think you could see how much it meant to him,” Lando Norris added. “At the same time, he’s obviously had a lot of people talk badly about him and he’s got a lot of crap online from a lot of people, so it’s nice that he can stick the middle finger up to all of them.”
For Lewis Hamilton, the Spanish Grand Prix victory was more than a race win. It was a statement result after months of pressure, questions and criticism. For Ferrari, it confirmed that the partnership with Hamilton can still become one of the defining stories of the Formula 1 season.
And for Lando Norris, even as a rival, the moment was clearly one worth appreciating.
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