Hamilton's Advice to Norris: 'What You're Doing Works'

Lewis Hamilton expressed immense pride for Lando Norris, who clinched his first World Championship with McLaren. Ahead of the decisive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton shared a simple but powerful piece of advice with his fellow Brit: "continue doing you," a mantra that guided Norris to a historic victory, echoing Hamilton's own 2008 title with the same team.

Why it matters:

This moment signifies a symbolic passing of the torch among British F1 greats. Hamilton, a seven-time champion, publicly celebrating Norris's achievement adds weight to the new champion's arrival. Furthermore, Norris's victory with McLaren marks a monumental return to the pinnacle for the team, ending a long championship drought and fundamentally reshaping the sport's competitive hierarchy.

The details:

• Hamilton's pre-race message to Norris was to trust his process: "What you’ve been doing works, so don’t change it going into the weekend."
• The 2025 season culminated in a thrilling three-way title fight that few predicted after the summer break.
• Oscar Piastri led the standings after the Dutch GP but suffered a costly six-race podiumless streak, falling out of contention.
• Meanwhile, Max Verstappen mounted a stunning comeback, winning six of the final races, but ultimately fell just two points short of Norris, who secured the title he needed with a podium finish in Abu Dhabi.

What's next:

Norris is no longer a "nearly man" but a proven World Champion, fundamentally changing the dynamic at the front of the grid and elevating his status within the sport. McLaren's resurgence is now complete, positioning them as a dominant force heading into the new 2026 regulations. The Verstappen vs. Norris rivalry is now cemented as a premier championship battle, setting the stage for a potentially epic multi-year competition.