Norris backs Hamilton rebound ahead of new F1 era

According to Sky Sports F1, Norris was reflecting on the shifting competitive order in Formula One following the 2025 season, which saw him crowned world champion and Hamilton endure a difficult debut year with Ferrari.

Looking beyond a breakthrough season

Norris enters 2026 in unfamiliar territory. After years as a challenger, the McLaren driver will start the new season as the reigning champion, and as a reference point for the rest of the grid.

The title marked McLaren’s first drivers’ championship since 2008, when Hamilton achieved the feat with the same team. That historical link is not lost on Norris, who now finds himself sharing the stage with drivers he once chased.

With major technical regulation changes coming into force, Norris expects the competitive order to shift again, opening the door for both established stars and rising contenders.

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Ferrari’s difficult transition

Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari proved more challenging than many expected. The seven time world champion completed the 2025 campaign without a podium finish, the first time that has happened in his Formula One career.

According to Sky Sports F1, Norris acknowledged that Ferrari’s struggles caught much of the paddock off guard, but said they did little to change his view of Hamilton’s ability.

“We've had a good amount of battles already. I would love to race a bit more with Lewis,” Norris said.

“Obviously, Ferrari struggled a lot more this year than I think everyone was expecting. 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.”

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Measuring against champions

For Norris, racing drivers such as Hamilton has helped define his career so far. He said competing against multiple world champions on the current grid has been both a challenge and a privilege.

“It's always a privilege that I get to race against someone that is the best in the world,” he said. “You have got a good amount of those guys. You have Fernando Alonso, Lewis, Max Verstappen.”

He also pointed to a growing group of younger drivers, including George Russell and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, as part of a generation eager to follow in those footsteps.

Life as the driver to beat

Rather than expecting a smooth title defence, Norris said the upcoming season is likely to be more competitive, particularly with teams and drivers starting from a cleaner slate under the new rules.

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“Next year, everyone's got an opportunity,” he said. “People want to come to take my crown, and I want to try to retain it. And I look forward to that battle.”

Sources: Sky Sports F1, Formula One

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