Lando Norris SHOCKS the F1 World: Snubs Max Verstappen in Favor of Hamilton!
In a jaw-dropping twist that has left fans buzzing, Lando Norris has made a bold statement about his favorite Formula 1 drivers, and it’s not what you’d expect! The rising star of McLaren has completely omitted Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen from his personal ranking, opting instead to name the legendary Lewis Hamilton as one of his favorites. This decision comes as a huge surprise, especially considering the intense rivalry that has developed between the two drivers in recent seasons.
Just last year, the narrative was dominated by a nail-biting championship fight between Norris and Verstappen, culminating in a thrilling conclusion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where Norris triumphed by a mere two points. The intense competition saw Norris finally reach the pinnacle of his career, having narrowly missed out on the title to Verstappen just a year prior. But in a shocking display of favoritism, Norris has chosen Hamilton—an icon of the sport and a fierce competitor—to sit alongside him in his personal pantheon of F1 greats.
Reflecting on his choices, Norris explained his selection process, stating, “Starting with two Brits: Jenson and Lewis. These were the guys I watched as a kid. These are the guys I supported as a kid and inspired me as a kid.” It’s clear that the legacy of Hamilton, who boasts a staggering eight World Championships, resonates deeply with Norris, who is still carving out his own legacy.
In this surprising ranking, Norris also included two other iconic figures: Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. He praised Vettel’s character and the impact he had on his early racing career, reminiscing about the German driver’s dominance with Red Bull. Alonso, who Norris described as an “exceptional person,” also earned a spot in his heart for his charisma and talent. The young British driver stated, “He was a passionate guy always stylish with his helmets,” acknowledging how these legends shaped his formative years in motorsport.
While Norris's choices are undoubtedly personal and reflect his admiration for drivers who have influenced him, the glaring absence of Verstappen raises eyebrows. Despite their camaraderie off the track, it seems that Norris’s competitive spirit doesn’t extend to his rankings. The omission is particularly striking considering Verstappen's incredible prowess, having dominated the 2024 season with a stunning display of speed and skill.
The F1 community is left wondering what this snub means for the relationship between Norris and Verstappen. Will this tension affect their performances on the track? As the McLaren team continues to shine, having won 12 of the first 15 races in the 2025 season, fans are eager to see how this rivalry evolves.
This ranking isn’t just a simple list—it’s a reflection of the competitive landscape in Formula 1, a sport where relationships are often as complex as the cars themselves. With a combined total of 203 Grand Prix wins and 475 podium finishes among the four drivers mentioned, Norris has clearly aligned himself with some of the best in the sport's history.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Lando Norris is not just another driver; he’s a rising star unafraid to make bold choices—and fans can’t wait to see how this rivalry plays out on the asphalt in the coming races!