Lando Norris expresses desire to battle Lewis Hamilton in 2026 F1 title defense

Reigning world champion Lando Norris has expressed a clear desire to battle Lewis Hamilton more frequently on track during his 2026 title defense, highlighting the privilege of racing against F1's established greats. This comes after a 2025 season where Norris secured his first championship, while Hamilton endured a nightmare debut year with Ferrari, failing to score a podium for the first time in his career.

Why it matters:

Norris's comments underscore a shifting dynamic in F1, where a new champion actively seeks competition with the sport's legends. His respect for Hamilton's proven ability to recover from setbacks adds a compelling narrative layer to the 2026 season, where Ferrari hopes its new car will better suit the seven-time champion's style.

The details:

• Norris specifically told Sky Sports News he would "love to race a bit more with Lewis," referencing their past battles, including a 2021 Austrian Grand Prix duel where Hamilton praised him as "such a great driver."
• He acknowledged Ferrari's surprising struggles in 2025 but backed Hamilton's capacity for a comeback, stating, "Everyone knows if anyone can bounce back from difficult years, it's Mr Hamilton."
• Norris framed racing against drivers like Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen as a "privilege," while also noting the challenge from the next generation, including George Russell and Oscar Piastri.

What's next:

The 2026 season presents a reset with new technical regulations, offering Ferrari and Hamilton a crucial opportunity to return to form. Norris enters as the champion everyone wants to beat, setting the stage for a multi-faceted title fight that could pit the established elite against the reigning king and ambitious newcomers.