Reigning European Formula 3 champion and now McLaren reserve driver Lando Norris admits he doesn’t “dwell” on comparisons between himself and Lewis Hamilton.
The two drivers both made came through with the British team, albeit Norris has only been associated for just over a year after earning his place by winning the McLaren Autosport BRDC young driver of the year award in 2016, completing two test outings in Hungary and Abu Dhabi last year.
He would also win the F3 title at his first attempt and believes he must do the same, just as Hamilton did, as he steps up to F2 with Carlin, which he will do alongside his third driver duties with the Woking-based outfit.
Despite the similarities between himself and the four-time world champion, the 17-year-old admits: “It gives me a bit of motivation, but not a huge amount.
“It’s good maybe to think you’re along the same path and he made it to F1. Apart from that, I don’t really try to think and dwell on what everyone else says.”
This weekend Norris will also compete in his first endurance race, teaming up with Fernando Alonso in a United Autosports entry at the Daytona 24 Hours. Commenting on his decision to pursue a career in racing, he insists it is as much about passion as it is ability.
“I’m only really doing it because I really enjoy it,” he said. “It’s not like I don’t enjoy it and I’m just good at it, therefore I can hopefully make a career out of it. I enjoy doing it and that’s why I want to do it.”
While he is tipped to become a star of the future, Lando also admits he has nothing set in stone just yet.
“I just try to focus on what I’m doing, make the most of working with the team, doing the best I can and hopefully winning, which then makes it even more fun to go out and do,” he concluded.
