Lando Norris hits back at Lewis Hamilton critics: 'He can stick the middle finger up'

Lando Norris has stated Lewis Hamilton can “stick the middle finger up” at those who questioned his abilities in recent years.

Hamilton returned to the top step of the podium last Sunday in Barcelona as he secured his first win since joining Ferrari in 2025.

The seven-time champion's maiden season with the Italian squad was crowded with challenges as he struggled to adapt to his new team after departing Mercedes. 

Having failed to score a single podium throughout 2025, Hamilton bagged three in the first six races this year before taking victory for the first time in red last time out.

Norris joined Hamilton on the podium after crossing the line in third place and hailed the achievement of his compatriot.

“I think it's pretty cool,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. “It’s pretty special. It’s nice. 

“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. 

“And as a seven-time world champion, it’s always a pleasure to see those kinds of things. 

“And with Ferrari again, it’s even cooler to kind of see that partnership come through and pay dividends, as it is doing now. 

“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.”

Ferrari introduced a significant upgrade package last weekend in Spain, allowing it to get in the fight and end Mercedes' streak of race wins.

As Hamilton finally enjoys a stint of success at Ferrari, Norris stated it has proved those who doubted him wrong.

“I’m happy for him,” he said. “I hope he’s not this fast the whole season, because it would be nice if we could battle a bit more, but good for him. 

“You could see how much it meant to him. 

“At the same time, he’s obviously had a lot of people talk badly about him and he’s got a lot of crap online from a lot of people, so it’s nice that he can stick the middle finger up to all of them.”