Norris hails Hamilton’s Ferrari triumph: He can stick the middle finger up to the critics

Lewis Hamilton’s first Formula 1 victory as a Ferrari driver has earned praise from fellow Briton Lando Norris, who believes the seven-time world champion has answered those who questioned whether he could still compete at the highest level.

Hamilton endured a challenging debut campaign with Ferrari in 2025 after leaving Mercedes, failing to secure a single podium finish as he adapted to his new surroundings. However, his fortunes have changed this season. After collecting three podiums in the opening six races, the 41-year-old claimed his long-awaited first Ferrari win in Barcelona.

Norris, who finished third behind Hamilton, was delighted to see the veteran return to the top step of the podium.

“I think it's pretty cool. It’s pretty special. It’s nice," Norris said about Hamilton's victory, as quoted by RacingNews365.com.

“The last few weekends he’s certainly seemed to have upped his game and as much as it was something we once could kind of take advantage of and try and make the most of, it seems like he’s making the most of what he’s got now, and that’s cool to see. I grew up as a fan of Lewis and I don’t know if I would still say I’m like that kind of fan, but I’m still a fan of him," the McLaren driver added.

Norris also admitted it was special to share the podium in Barcelona with fellow Britons Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

“To share the podium with him and then with George, to have three Brits up there, I think the first time since 1968, I think someone said, pretty special, pretty cool for us to represent our country that way!”