NO PLACE FOR THE FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION 👀 LANDO NORRIS REVEALS HIS ALL-TIME F1 DRIVER PICKS, EXCLUDING MAX VERSTAPPEN
McLaren star Lando Norris has sparked debate across the Formula 1 paddock after naming his personal list of favourite drivers of all time a selection that notably includes Lewis Hamilton but leaves out reigning champion Max Verstappen entirely.
In a recently released McLaren media feature, Norris opened up on the drivers who inspired him during his formative years in motorsport, offering insight into the personalities and performances that shaped his own racing identity. While the list was framed as personal admiration rather than a ranking of current competitiveness, the absence of Verstappen has already triggered discussion among fans and analysts.
Norris began his selections by highlighting two British icons who influenced his childhood. He pointed to Jenson Button and Hamilton as his earliest inspirations, crediting both McLaren-linked champions for playing a key role in shaping his ambitions in motorsport.
He explained that both drivers represented the peak of British racing success during his youth, adding that their success stories and driving styles made a strong impression as he began karting and climbing the junior formulas. For Norris, these were not just champions on track but reference points for what was achievable in Formula 1.
Moving further down his list, Norris selected four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in third place. He praised Vettel not only for his dominance during the Red Bull era but also for his personality and approach to racing. Norris referenced Vettel’s early championship success as something he witnessed while beginning his own journey in motorsport, describing it as both inspirational and formative.
He also highlighted Vettel’s distinctive helmet designs and style, as well as his passionate racing character, noting that these elements made him stand out during a highly competitive period in Formula 1 history.
For his fourth and final selection, Norris named Fernando Alonso, a driver he described as both a sporting great and a strong personality within the paddock. Norris acknowledged Alonso’s long-standing presence in Formula 1 and the opportunity he had to race alongside him during his early McLaren years.
He spoke positively about Alonso’s competitive edge and experience, emphasising that combining talent with personality was what ultimately secured the Spaniard’s place on his list. According to Norris, Alonso’s consistency and racing intelligence made him one of the most complete drivers he has observed closely in his career.
Despite the clear admiration for these legendary figures, the most striking omission remains Verstappen. The Dutch driver has dominated recent seasons and is widely regarded as one of the most complete talents in modern Formula 1, with multiple world championships and a record-breaking run of victories in recent years.
However, Norris has previously made it clear that his respect for Verstappen is unquestionable. Speaking in earlier interviews, he described Verstappen as potentially “the best ever in Formula 1,” acknowledging his relentless pace, racecraft, and ability to perform under pressure. He also admitted that drivers across the grid measure themselves against Verstappen’s benchmark on a weekly basis.
Still, Norris also pointed out that even the most dominant drivers are not without flaws, suggesting that while Verstappen operates at an exceptional level, there remain races where he could extract more performance. This balanced view reflects the competitive respect between two drivers who have shared both intense on-track battles and a close off-track friendship.
The discussion surrounding Norris’ choices highlights a broader theme within Formula 1 the separation between personal inspiration and competitive reality. While Verstappen may currently dominate the sport statistically, Norris’ list reflects the drivers who influenced his development and identity long before he reached Formula 1.
As the current world champion continues his reign and Norris pushes forward in his own title ambitions, the narrative adds another layer to an already compelling rivalry era in modern Formula 1.