Lando Norris reveals career-changing crash: 'I never did it again'

Lando Norris has revealed that he initially started racing motorbikes before go-karts, only for a crash to change his career path as he "never did it again".

The reigning world champion is a keen follower of MotoGP – the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport – and, in particular, is a huge fan of one of its greatest riders.

Much of Norris' neon yellow branding is inspired by nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, of whom the Briton is a huge admirer.

It has resulted in the pair building a strong relationship, leading to multiple collaborations, including at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

After putting bikes aside following his crash as a youngster, Norris is eager to return to motorcycle riding.

Asked if he ever thought about racing motorbikes, Norris told the official Goodwood broadcast: "Oh, actually, I started on bikes. 

"I started on bikes before I ever tried a go-kart, before I ever tried four wheels. Yeah, I had a crash and never did it again, so I wasn't cut out for that. But no one's going to tell Zak, right?

"I'm trying to buy my first bike, and I want to get into it. I don't know what I need to start on. I was looking at buying a MotoGP bike and just going all out straight away."

The McLaren driver's focus is very much on his F1 commitments and attempting to win more world titles, although he is set to get back into riding bikes.

"I want to get into bikes a little bit more," added Norris. "Of course, my focus is completely on Formula 1, and I want to try and win many more world championships, but life is short. 

"It goes by quickly, and I still want to get back to riding on two wheels and see what it's like."