Lando Norris has hit out at critics of Lewis Hamilton, insisting anybody who doubts the Ferrari star is a 'bit silly' as the start of the 2025 F1 season creeps closer.
Hamilton has struggled in recent years, ever since being denied a historic eighth Formula One crown in controversial circumstances back in 2021.
However, the Briton has swapped Mercedes for Ferrari confident that the grass will be greener in his new surroundings.
Some critics have dismissed Hamilton's chances of glory this year, believing the 40-year-old is a faded force.
F1 news: Lando Norris has hit out at critics of Lewis Hamilton, insisting anybody who doubts the Ferrari star is a 'bit silly' as the start of the 2025 season creeps closer
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But Norris, who finished second to Max Verstappen last year, believes they're wrong and that the veteran remains as competitive as ever.
"I would have thought so. I don't know. Again, everyone's different," the McLaren star told Sky Sports when asked if fans would see a 'revitalised' version of the F1 star in 2025.
"I think it's cool what he's doing and what he's done and going to Ferrari. I think it's very special. I think Ferrari is incredible.
"I feel like he would struggle to find any reasons to not be motivated. You know, it's an incredible opportunity for him. It's a cool story.
"I'm sure there's a lot of bonuses with a lot of things going over to Ferrari, so there's a lot of reasons to be more motivated and be ready to go.
"It's Lewis and I think anyone who doubts him is a bit silly."
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F1 news: Lewis Hamilton has struggled for consistency over the past few years as he prepares for his new challenge with Ferrari
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It was Norris who pushed Verstappen hardest last term, with the Briton winning the first four races of his career.
As a result, some have made the 25-year-old to secure title glory this time around.
Norris insists he's staying grounded but acknowledges that his confidence is rising, despite Verstappen being 63 points better off than him in 2024.
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"It's a nice thing, so I appreciate all those guys out there and girls who are out there betting on me, but I'm focused on this year," he continued. "I felt good after last season. I felt like I wanted to continue after Abu Dhabi. I ended on the right note and I knew I needed to improve on some areas and some things.
"I felt like I proved to myself that I got what it takes. You know, something clicks and you just feel like, 'OK, I feel like I can do it now'.
"I'm definitely not coming in with any overconfidence, you know, or too much or arrogance. My whole life I've been telling myself that I can't and it's nice that I tell myself for once that I can and that the opportunity is there. I know I'm just changing.
F1 news: Lando Norris is staying grounded as he targets the title in 2025
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"I'm learning. I'm finding new ways to motivate myself and to make myself feel correct. That is one of those things coming in here going 'I can do it this year'.
"It's probably better telling myself that than 'you're not going to do it this year'. It's easy things, but every person is different. You've got to find your own way.
"I'm coming in calm, I feel good and ready and I'm more prepared than ever, but I still know it's going to be a very tough year."
