Lando Norris has revealed one of his biggest motorsport ambitions: racing alongside Valentino Rossi at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The McLaren Formula 1 driver shared his dream during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the two fan favourites delighted the crowd with a memorable encounter.
Norris recently took part in the famous British event behind the wheel of a Nissan Silvia S13, entertaining spectators with a series of drifting demonstrations. Not everything went according to plan, however, as the reigning Formula 1 world champion misjudged the available space on one attempt and ended up beached in the gravel.
Marshals were required to recover the car, bringing his driving session to an early conclusion. Even so, the Goodwood crowd responded with plenty of warmth and applause, especially when Norris was later seen alongside Valentino Rossi, one of his lifelong sporting idols.
Norris dreams of sharing Le Mans with Valentino Rossi
The pair’s embrace and their greeting to the fans became one of the highlights of the festival. During the official Goodwood broadcast, Norris openly admitted that one of his greatest ambitions is to compete alongside “The Doctor” at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
When asked whether he would like to team up with Rossi at Le Mans, Lando Norris answered without hesitation: “Absolutely!”
Valentino Rossi shared the enthusiasm, adding: “I tried to ask him, but they [McLaren] have too many races scheduled right now.”
McLaren commitments delay the dream
For the time being, Norris’ demanding Formula 1 schedule prevents him from taking part in additional endurance races. However, he made it clear that he hopes to work with Rossi in the future, particularly through McLaren‘s Hypercar programme at Le Mans.
“Yes, we have too many races at the moment, but now that McLaren is competing at Le Mans, maybe not next year. But in a couple of years, three or four, I’d really love to do it. It would be an honour for me, and we’d have so much fun. We’d definitely have an amazing time,” Lando Norris said.
Rossi, now 47 years old, responded with his trademark humour: “Of course, I’ll try to wait for Lando, without a doubt,” he laughed.
Although Formula 1 commitments make such a partnership impossible for now, the exchange between Norris and Rossi has already sparked excitement among fans, who would undoubtedly love to see two of motorsport’s biggest stars sharing a Hypercar at the world’s most famous endurance race in the years to come.
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