Lando Norris makes feelings clear on Lewis Hamilton Ferrari move after critics hit out

The comments come as both drivers prepare for what could be a fierce championship battle, with McLaren entering the season as favourites following their constructors' title success in 2024.

"It's a cool story for him to go to Ferrari after everything he's achieved," Norris said during his television appearance. "It's a cool step."

The McLaren driver disagreed with critics of Hamilton's decision to leave Mercedes after 12 seasons.

"A lot of people said maybe it's not the right thing to do and so forth. But I would probably do the same if I was in his position!" Norris explained.

"It looks cool. It's an amazing story for him," he added.

Norris expressed enthusiasm about future on-track battles with the seven-time world champion.

"When I'm on track, it doesn't make a difference," Norris said.

"There are always guys you give extra metres to, and there are guys that you can race well, and Lewis is one of those guys."

The McLaren driver added: "I'm excited to race against him more this year. It's always an honour to race against someone like him."

"I want to prove myself. He obviously wants to prove himself, like he'll continue to do and fight until he stops in Formula 1," Norris stated.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari comes as he pursues a record-breaking eighth world championship title.

The 40-year-old will face stiff competition from Norris, who helped secure McLaren's first constructors' title since 1998 at last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Norris, who claimed his maiden F1 victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, enters the new season as the bookmakers' favourite for the drivers' championship.

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With Ferrari emerging as McLaren's closest rival at the end of 2024, the stage is set for intense battles between the British drivers.

Norris expressed confidence in Hamilton's approach to his new challenge at Ferrari.

"I know he's going to want to go there with a fresh mindset and show everyone that he's still got the Lewis Hamilton he has shown for many, many years prior," the McLaren driver said.

With the Australian Grand Prix just a month away, both British drivers will soon have their first opportunity to compete against each other in their respective 2025 machinery.