Lewis Hamilton has revealed the recommendation he gave Lando Norris earlier than successful his first F1 World Championship.
Norris completed third within the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, successful his first F1 drivers’ championship.
The 26-year-old Briton beat Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen to the title by simply two factors, changing into McLaren’s first world champion since Hamilton in 2008.
Hamilton, who got here again from sixteenth on the grid to complete eighth in Sunday’s race, praised Norris’ efficiency and achievements after the race.
Hamilton informed Sky Sports activities F1: “I am actually comfortable for him. To win his first world championship is absolutely particular and Britain continues to supply nice drivers.”
“I understand how you are feeling going into this race and combating in your first championship. It’s nerve-wracking and I’m actually pleased with him.
“Earlier than the weekend, I informed him he did not want to vary something as a result of what he is been doing to this point is working nicely, and I feel that is what he did.”
There was a heartwarming second across the TV as Hamilton congratulated Norris on his achievement.
“Congratulations,” Hamilton mentioned. “I am so comfortable for you! I informed you so.”
“Thanks for these phrases,” Norris beamed.
Norris additionally turned Britain’s eleventh F1 world champion.
“Fairly cool, fairly loopy!” F1’s latest world champion informed Sky Sports activities F1.
“I really feel like I do not wish to say[that I’m world champion]. It has been a season with numerous ups and downs. Was it an ideal season? Completely not. Has anybody achieved that? No.
“I’ve had my struggles and I’ve had my blessings, and that is helped me. However consistency is essential to successful championships, and we had numerous that this season.
“I simply did what I needed to do. I centered on myself, even when lots of people supported me or did not. I felt very protected in my shut group: my dad and mom, my associates, my household, my trainers, the folks I grew up with.
“We have been by numerous these issues collectively, and I really feel like they’re simply as a lot part of saying, ‘We’re world champions,’ as I say myself.
“I am glad I cried. I do not typically cry, however at present was a kind of days. I did not know if I’d cry or not, however on the final lap I got here to the underside of the tunnel and considered my mother. Simply eager about my mother and the way comfortable she can be and my dad introduced tears to my eyes.”
