– MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi expressed his immense pride in Lando Norris after the British driver’s Formula 1 World Championship title. During a joint appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the motorcycle champion looked back on the career of the McLaren driver, who has been an avid fan of Rossi since childhood.
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“I am really damn proud of Lando,” Rossi explains in an interview with Sky Sports F1. “Sometimes I write to him about how proud I am. Knowing that he admired me as a child, and now seeing where he has arrived and that he has won the Formula 1 World Championship – that is simply great for me.”
Rossi says that seeing Norris’ fans in bright neon yellow evokes fond memories of his own famous fan crowds: “When I see the yellow stands, it is a huge joy,” he beams. “It feels like a small part of it also belongs to me.”
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“This connection between Formula 1 drivers and MotoGP riders is great because all MotoGP riders are big fans of Formula 1,” says the Italian. “We always really enjoy the conversation among ourselves, because for us it is similar, but they are two different worlds; we always have a lot of fun.”
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Specifically asked about Norris’ world championship season, Rossi says with a smile: “I would never want to take on Verstappen.” However, he admits that he very likely would have clashed with the Dutchman if he had raced against him himself.
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That is why he also praises Norris’ composure in the duel: “Yes, I don’t know if that is the right way, but for me it is a normal way. He kept calm, and how he matured in that moment made the difference. I think in the end he proved what he is capable of, and he won the championship. I am really happy for him.”
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