Norris reflects on past statements that still cause controversy
After being crowned Formula 1 World Champion, Lando Norris has faced a mix of online reactions, with fans divided between defending him and recalling past comments that raised eyebrows. Some critics, unwilling to acknowledge the new champion’s talent, have resurfaced old remarks to justify their continued negativity toward him.
Back in Abu Dhabi, the McLaren driver already expressed regret for some things he said in previous seasons, admitting that “sometimes I say stupid things.” Regardless, justifying hate in sport has no place, a point emphasized by both F1 and the FIA following recent negative messages directed at drivers like Kimi Antonelli. Those who focus only on Norris’ past missteps now have to acknowledge his public admission of fault regarding these comments.
Norris expresses regret
Lando Norris secured the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and, a week later, lifted the trophy at the FIA awards ceremony in Uzbekistan. Not everyone responded positively to the papaya-colored driver’s triumph, with some resurfacing videos featuring previous comments made by the 26-year-old champion.
These clips often highlight two key remarks: one directed at Lewis Hamilton at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, and another aimed at Max Verstappen following the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. “You had a fast car seven years ago,” was Norris’ response to the seven-time world champion, who had expressed surprise at McLaren’s speed. Meanwhile, after Verstappen’s remarkable win from 17th on the grid in Brazil, Lando Norris had stated, “It’s not talent, it’s just luck.”
Without referring to any specific incident, Norris had already expressed regret in Abu Dhabi for some of his past comments.
“I know sometimes I say stupid things, and I say certain things about Max [Verstappen], or I may have said some things in the past about Lewis [Hamilton] that everyone talks about,” explained McLaren’s No. 4. “There are things I regret, things I wish I could take back, things I wish had never left my mouth. But honestly, I think I show more respect to everyone than anyone else. I give more respect to Oscar [Piastri]. I give more respect to Max.”
“I try to give as much respect as possible to Lewis – he’s a seven-time world champion. He’s the best driver ever in Formula 1; he’s compared to Schumacher. I’m not even close. I might never be. These kinds of achievements are a dream for me. I dreamed of this day and I managed to win one out of seven [titles] against him.”
“And do I regret some of the comments I made in cooldown rooms or something like that? Yes. But many of these comments were made in the heat of the moment. When I said certain things, I thought: ‘Why the hell did I just say that?’ So I’ll try to be as genuine as possible,” concluded the British driver.
Lando Norris has therefore addressed the lingering online criticism by admitting regret over past “stupid” comments made during high-pressure moments. While social media continues to circulate his previous jabs at Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the 2025 World Champion is making an effort to emphasize his deep respect for his rivals and his own humility in the face of Hamilton’s historic legacy. By acknowledging these “heat of the moment” errors, Norris aims to turn the page on past controversies and focus on a more mature approach to his new status as the man to beat in Formula 1.
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