British Formula One driver Lando Norris has once again shown his playful side as he jokingly referred to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as an “eight-time champion”. The comment came during a recent press conference following Norris’ triumph at the 2025 World Championship, where he beat out fierce rival Max Verstappen for the coveted title.
The young McLaren driver, who has been making waves in the sport since his debut in 2019, has been known for his witty and humorous remarks. And this time was no different as he took a playful dig at Hamilton, who has been dominating the sport for years.
Norris’ comment seemed to be a reference to the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton was on the verge of securing his eighth world title. However, a controversial decision by the race stewards led to a dramatic twist, and Verstappen emerged as the winner, leaving Hamilton and his fans disappointed.
But Norris’ joke was not meant to mock Hamilton or his achievements. In fact, it was a lighthearted way of acknowledging the intense rivalry between the two drivers and the competitive nature of the sport.
The 2025 World Championship was a historic moment for Norris, who became the first British driver to win the title since Hamilton’s last triumph in 2024. The 26-year-old, who has been steadily improving over the years, finally reached the pinnacle of his career and cemented his place among the top drivers in the world.
In his victory speech, Norris thanked his team and fans for their unwavering support and dedicated the win to his late mentor and former McLaren driver, Jenson Button. He also praised his competitors, including Verstappen and Hamilton, for pushing him to be the best version of himself.
But it was his comment about Hamilton that caught everyone’s attention and sparked a wave of laughter among the audience. The two drivers have had a friendly rivalry on and off the track, with Norris often looking up to Hamilton as a role model and mentor.
Hamilton, who was also present at the press conference, took the joke in good spirit and congratulated Norris on his well-deserved win. The seven-time champion also expressed his admiration for Norris’ talent and predicted a bright future for the young driver.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster ride for Norris, who faced tough competition from Verstappen throughout the year. But he showed remarkable consistency and determination, winning six races and securing podium finishes in 15 out of 23 races.
His victory at the season finale in Abu Dhabi was a fitting end to an incredible season, and it was clear that Norris had finally come of age as a driver. He proved that he has what it takes to challenge the likes of Verstappen and Hamilton and emerge as a champion.
But Norris’ journey to the top has not been easy. He faced his fair share of setbacks and challenges, but he never gave up and continued to work hard to achieve his goals. His determination and positive attitude have inspired many young drivers, and he has become a role model for the next generation of racers.
As the 2025 World Champion, Norris has joined an elite group of drivers who have etched their names in the history books of Formula One. And with his talent, dedication, and sense of humor, he is sure to leave a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.
So, while Norris’ comment may have been a joke, it also serves as a reminder that in the world of Formula One, anything can happen, and no one is invincible. And as the sport continues to evolve and new talents emerge, we can only wait and see who will be the next “eight-time champion”.