Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has shared that Lewis Hamilton is the Lando Norris 2026 F1 rival he most eagerly anticipates racing against in the next season. With Norris coming off his first title win and a new era of regulations set to shake up Formula 1, he expressed a desire for renewed competition with the experienced champion as the sport prepares for significant changes in 2026.
Norris, a Briton who clinched his maiden championship by overcoming a 34-point disadvantage to his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in a dramatic campaign finish, is relishing the prospect of fierce battles on track. The 2026 regulations are expected to shift Formula 1 away from ground effect aerodynamics, opening the door to fresher racing opportunities and unpredictable grids.
Norris Looks Forward to More Hamilton Duels
In an interview with Sky Sports UK, Norris pointed out that he wishes to race more often with Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the previous season. Norris shared his respect for Hamilton’s abilities and noted his surprise at Ferrari’s difficulties during their first year with the seven-time champion.
“We’ve had a good amount of battles already – I would love to race a bit more with Lewis [Hamilton],”
said Norris. Obviously, Ferrari struggled a lot more this year than I think everyone was expecting.
— Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver
“Lewis has proved himself to be probably the best of all time. Everyone knows if anyone can bounce back from difficult years, it’s Mr Hamilton, and I would love to race against him more.”
— Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver
Despite signs of promise early in the partnership, Hamilton and Ferrari suffered a tough campaign. Hamilton managed to win the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix but was soon disqualified because of ride height violations. These technical troubles haunted Ferrari for much of the year, resulting in Hamilton finishing the season without a podium—something not seen in his career since it began in 2007.
Competitive Title Field Predicted for 2026
Norris remains optimistic that the upcoming season could see any of the top drivers—including veterans like Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, or Hamilton—mounting a credible title challenge. With the 2026 campaign resetting the competitive field due to technical changes, Norris believes no contender should be dismissed as the new era begins.
“It’s always a privilege that I get to race against someone who is the best in the world,”
he added.“You have got a good amount of those guys; you have Fernando [Alonso], Lewis, Max. Everyone’s got an opportunity.
— Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver
“Everyone’s looking forward to it. People want to come to take my crown, and I want to try to retain it. And I look forward to the battle.”
— Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver
Pre-season testing for 2026 is scheduled to start behind closed doors at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at the end of January. Two further tests are planned before the season officially opens at Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix, setting the stage for more exciting encounters between Norris, Hamilton, and the rest of the grid.
What the 2026 Season Could Mean for Formula 1
The introduction of new technical rules in 2026 is expected to disrupt established team dynamics, giving experienced drivers like Hamilton an opportunity to return to form. Lando Norris, having established himself as a champion after overtaking both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, now faces the challenge of defending his title in an unpredictable environment. The renewed sense of openness and rivalry is expected to energize fans and competitors, as the likes of Hamilton, Verstappen, and Alonso aim to challenge Norris at the pinnacle of the sport.
2026 👉 the LN1 era is here 🧡1️⃣#McLaren pic.twitter.com/xTbxc3EIII
— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team 🧡 (@McLarenF1) January 4, 2026
