Norris Reveals All-Time F1 Heroes

In a video produced by McLaren, Lando Norris opened up about the drivers who inspired him throughout his journey to becoming a Formula 1 world champion. The McLaren driver took the opportunity to reflect on the athletes he most admired during his time growing up and watching the sport evolve at the highest level.

Norris's selections reveal a particular affinity for British excellence in Formula 1. Two of his four chosen drivers represent his home nation, highlighting the significant influence these figures had on shaping his ambitions within the sport. By selecting exclusively from the ranks of world champions, Norris demonstrated his admiration for drivers who achieved the ultimate success in Formula 1 competition.

Leading his countdown, Norris chose to honour fellow British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button—both of whom successfully claimed world championships during their careers. These selections reflect Norris's deep connection to the rich tradition of British motorsport excellence that has long defined the sport at its highest echelon.

The inclusion of Hamilton and Button underscores the profound impact that homegrown talent can have on aspiring professionals. Both drivers achieved sustained success at the pinnacle of motorsport, and their accomplishments clearly left a lasting impression on the younger generation of competitors who would follow in their wake.

When introducing his selections in the video, Norris presented himself and explained the criteria behind his choices. "I'm Lando, and these are my four favourite drivers in F1 of all time," the 2025 champion stated while discussing the drivers who captured his imagination during his developmental years.

The fact that Norris restricted his selections to world champions speaks volumes about his respect for championship-level achievement. Rather than selecting based on personality, car performance, or isolated achievements, he chose to honour those who had demonstrated the consistency, skill, and determination required to win the sport's most prestigious accolade.

Norris's decision to reflect on his favourite drivers comes at a particularly meaningful moment in his career. Having achieved championship status himself in 2025, he now occupies a place within the pantheon of Formula 1 world champions. His perspective on the drivers who inspired him offers insight into what qualities and achievements resonate most strongly with modern competitors.

The video shared by McLaren provides fans with a glimpse into the formative influences that helped shape Norris's development as a racing driver. The drivers he selected were figures he watched compete during his own childhood and teenage years—a period when passion for the sport typically crystallizes for future professionals. Their performances, achievements, and approaches to racing clearly made an indelible mark on the young British driver's ambitions.

By focusing exclusively on world champions, Norris emphasized the pinnacle nature of Formula 1 competition. The championship represents the ultimate measure of success in the sport, requiring drivers to demonstrate excellence over an entire season against the world's best competitors. That Norris confined his selections to this exclusive group underscores the significance he places on sustained excellence and championship-calibre performance.

This approach also reflects a broader respect within Formula 1 for the historical achievement of winning a world championship. Each driver who has claimed the title joins an exclusive lineage spanning the sport's entire history. The fact that Norris—himself now part of this heritage—chose to celebrate only championship-winning drivers demonstrates where his deepest admiration lies within the sport's landscape.