Lando Norris experienced a dream moment during the break between Suzuka and Miami, when McLaren carried out a Pirelli tyre test at the Nürburgring. The British driver was visibly emotional both behind the wheel of his Formula 1 car and later while driving the McLaren 750S, as shown in footage published by the Papaya team on its official YouTube channel.
The excitement from his first experience at the legendary Green Hell was still clearly visible in the Miami paddock.
“I’ve known the Nordschleife from the simulator for years. It’s one of those circuits that everyone would want to drive. Whether you’re a racing driver or not, it’s always exciting to experience it because it’s truly unique,” Norris said.
The McLaren driver did not arrive unprepared for the challenge.
“I watched all the onboard footage. I followed the GT races Max took part in. I already knew the track by heart. But it was special to finally have my own personal perspective. The circuit absolutely lived up to everything people say about it.”
And when asked whether he would follow the Nürburgring 24 Hours taking place this weekend, Norris made his intentions clear.
“It’s the Nordschleife 24 Hours, one of the best races in the world. I’ll definitely be watching—maybe not for all 24 hours, but as much as possible. And of course, I’ll be cheering for Max because he’s a driver I respect enormously. I really enjoyed watching him battle Christopher Haase over the past few weeks. So yes, I’ll definitely be following it,” he concluded.
This crossover between F1 stars and legendary endurance venues highlights a growing appreciation for classic racing challenges among the modern grid. As Norris ticks the Nürburgring off his bucket list and supports his colleague Max Verstappen’s venture into GT3 racing, it underscores the mutual respect shared between today’s top competitors. This shared passion for the sport’s most demanding circuits continues to bridge the gap between different racing disciplines, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
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