From Biggest Fan To Best Friend: WATCH Lando Norris’ Idol Worship of Carlos Sainz Before McLaren F1 Gig

Published 01/21/2022, 2:08 AM EST

DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 21: Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren F1 and Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari talk on the drivers parade before the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail International Circuit on November 21, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz share one of the most wholesome friendships on the F1 paddock. Striking the perfect balance between competitiveness and friendship, the duo shares ravenous battles on the track and then takes off to have fun playing golf. However, the respect goes way beyond their years shared at McLaren; Norris may have been a fan before he was a friend.

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An Instagram fan account dug up old comments made by Norris when he was 13 years old. The Brit apparently followed Sainz closely, innocently commenting on his Instagram posts and replying to tweets.

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From innocuous questions like what time the stream starts and “why were you penalized?”, to something as simple as “nice bike”– seems like Norris knew his buddy way before their entrances in F1.

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The two drivers are now en route to dominating the sport, having shown great potential in the last season. With the new regulations coming in the 2022 season, it would be exciting to see what the two friends have in store for us.

Lando Norris’ reverence for Carlos Sainz continues

After sharing two years in McLaren, Carlos Sainz parted ways with the team and made his way to Ferrari. Sainz has been an unstoppable force with the Prancing Horses, complete with four podium appearances and a stunning P5 on the drivers’ championship.

However, Norris claimed Sainz’s disposition was just as high in Papaya colors.

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In a recent interview, Norris held his former teammate high in praise. “I think Carlos is one of the best Formula 1 drivers. That’s why I didn’t look so good because he’s an extremely good driver. He did a very good job.”

Formula One F1 – Turkish Grand Prix – Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – McLaren’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris during a press conference ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix FIA/Handout via REUTERS

Norris added, “More and more people are now realizing what he’s capable of.”

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With the world awaiting the maiden victories of the two prolific drivers, the 2022 season leaves the door open for multiple opportunities; more pole positions, more podium appearances, and surely, many victories.

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Shreya Sanjeev is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. Having attained a journalism degree from St Xavier's College, she finds comfort in the sound of her keyboard while typing and excitement in the sound of F1 cars speeding on a track. A street circuit and Daniel Ricciardo fan through and through, Shreya claims the 2018 Monaco GP to be one of her favorite races of all time.

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