Lando Norris Answers “Yes” to Age-Old Question Challenging F1 Heavyweight Lewis Hamilton

Every driver that makes it to the premier class has to believe they’re the best, no matter who they’re up against. Especially within a team, a driver also tries to do better than their teammate. Sometimes you’re put on the same team as a world champion, which is a daunting thought. However, even then, a driver must believe in themselves and Lewis Hamilton is a great example of that.

The Brit joined the sport as a rookie in 2007 alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. However, that did stop the Brit from finishing above Alonso in the overall standings. In fact, since his debut, Hamilton has finished behind a teammate only twice.

This is the mentality most F1 drivers maintain.

So as he was answering questions about himself on the internet, Lando Norris‘s answer shouldn’t surprise anyone. When answering the question of if he would beat Hamilton in the same machinery, i.e. if they were teammates, Norris had a straight answer.

He started by saying, “That’s a tough question.” 

But quickly added, “I’ve got to say yes. By no means would it be easy! But if you want to do well, you got to believe you’re better than the rest.”

Read More: Lando Norris Insinuates Lewis Hamilton-Like Max Verstappen “Have a Go Back in Our Car & See What It’s Like” After “Easy” F1 Season

Norris definitely has the winning mentality that every Formula 1 driver needs. His time at McLaren alongside both Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo is reminiscent of that. So the young Brit did not need to think twice before putting himself first against the seven-time world champion.

However, we doubt this scenario will be ever put to the test. Although Norris’s F2 colleague and rival might just prove him right.

Lewis Hamilton is on course to finish behind a teammate for only the third time in his career

The British world champion is going to experience the same feeling Alonso did in 2007. It would be the feeling of being outperformed as a multiple-world champion by a new teammate as George Russell is four races away from doing exactly that.

This scenario has earned the young Brit plenty of plaudits as well. Even Damon Hill expressed, “He’s absolutely stamped his authority and credentials on this team and also as a viable contender and a viable teammate to Lewis Hamilton.”

“There are not many people that have managed not to be crushed by that relationship.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton Finds Himself in an Unusual Situation With His Teammate for the First Time Since 2007

Russell has absolutely stamped his authority in his first year at Mercedes. It will be interesting to see if that changes the dynamic in the coming season.