2025 Formula 1 champion Lando Norris recently took part in a drifting challenge, teaming up with Monster Energy alongside Swedish–Norwegian rally driver Oliver Solberg, his father Petter Solberg, and drifting expert Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni. The event unfolded on a frozen lake in Sweden, combining the thrills of rally driving with Norris’s racing experience.
Speaking ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Norris shared his excitement about the unique opportunity, highlighting his childhood admiration for rally drivers like Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.
Norris Embraces Rally Driving Roots
Driving a Volvo 940 during the challenge, Norris described the experience as one of the most enjoyable he has had behind the wheel. He noted the distinct techniques required to handle the rally cars and icy terrain compared to Formula 1 vehicles.
“I drove a Volvo. But maybe one of the most fun cars I’ve ever driven in a way,”
Norris said.
“So it was nice. I supported Oli. When I grew up, before I was introduced into Formula 1, one of the guys I actually looked up to was Richard Burns, was rally, was Subaru.”
Recalling his admiration for rally, Norris added,
“And Petter was driving back then. So I used to love rally, and I’ve always loved rally. I got to have my first taste of driving a WR2 car and having a bit of fun with Oli in the snow and the ice.”
He expressed how much he had looked forward to spending time with Oliver Solberg, enjoying the sport away from the usual pressures of competitive racing.
“Quite a different style of driving needed to drive rally cars and Volvos compared to what I’m used to. But a lot of fun. I just never had the opportunity to go and see Oli, go out to his place and drive and have a bit of fun. So I finally had the opportunity. It’s grown a good amount. I’ve just not been able to see him as much as I would have liked, or probably allow him to come to the races as much just because he’s busy.”
“WRC, they travel a lot, just as much as we do at times. So it was nice. We both had a bit of time off, a couple of days, and we could spend it together and get to meet each other a bit more, talk and have a bit of fun and enjoy some things away from the serious stuff. So, yeah, it was a lot of fun,”
Norris added.
Mastering the Frozen Drift Circuit
The group’s first run involved taking turns in a Volvo 940, chosen for its classic drifting appeal. Petter Solberg demonstrated how to manage the icy surface with expert control before handing the car over to Norris.
Steve Biagioni, a champion drifter, observed Norris’s performance with enthusiasm.
“Petter says, ‘Now it’s your time to have a go Mr Lando.’ So, we went out. We did two laps, and within the second lap he was linking the whole track,”
Biagioni said.
“Big Scandinavian flicks. It was awesome to witness. My first ever drift car was a Volvo and getting to see Lando sliding a Volvo around here was very cool.”
Tackling Rally Stages with Confidence
After the Volvo, Norris switched focus to rally driving, initially taking the co-driver seat alongside Oliver Solberg in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. This gave him a taste of the rally atmosphere before he took the wheel himself.
Petter Solberg commended Norris’s skill behind the wheel of the rally car.
“Very impressed actually, and I think at the end now he’s pushing properly,”
Petter said.
“I was actually driving behind him and I didn’t catch him, so it was actually really good.”
This hands-on experience allowed Norris to explore a different form of motorsport, broadening his driving expertise and deepening his appreciation for rally culture.
Building Friendships Beyond Racing Circuits
This rally challenge provided Norris with more than just a taste of drifting; it was also an opportunity to strengthen connections with the Solberg family. Finding common ground away from competitive pressures, they shared moments of camaraderie and fun.
As Norris balances his Formula 1 ambitions and newfound rally interests, this experience signifies his openness to diversifying his motorsport skills. Fans can anticipate seeing how this crossover influences his approach during the F1 season and possibly other ventures beyond the track.
