Norris: 'A pleasure' to race against Hamilton

Lando Norris believes it is a "pleasure" to race against Lewis Hamilton after the Mercedes driver signed a fresh two-year deal.

Mercedes brought months of speculation to an end on Thursday (31st August) with the announcement that Hamilton had agreed a new contract that will keep him at the team until the end of 2025 at least.

Norris has enjoyed some wheel-to-wheel battles with Hamilton since joining the F1 grid in 2019, including at the 2021 Austrian GP where Hamilton praised Norris by saying "such a great driver Lando" after finally getting past the McLaren.

The two also battled for the win at the Russian Grand Prix later that year, with Hamilton winning after pitting for Intermediate tyres in the closing stages while Norris stayed out.

Norris's Hamilton pleasure

"It's great and it's always been a pleasure to race against him," Norris told media including RacingNews365.

"This year, we've had a few more battles and it is a cool thing to race against someone who is one of the best drivers in Formula 1 and who has created and written a lot of history.

"It is a pleasure for all of us, including myself [to race against Hamilton].

"He is someone I looked up to when I was a little kid and I still get a chance to race against him now, so I am happy we'll continue to do so for a couple more years."

Former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas also spoke about Hamilton's decision to renew his contract, believing the Briton "has still got the fire to try and get back up there again."