The legendary MotoGP rider, Valentino Rossi, has shared his immense pride for Lando Norris after the Brit secured his first Formula 1 world title in 2025.
Rossi reflected on the journey of the current F1 driver during a joint appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Norris, who has openly admired the Italian since childhood, achieved his first title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2025, after a tough season that included a tense internal rivalry with Oscar Piastri and a late battle against four-time champion Max Verstappen.
“I am very, very proud of Lando,” Rossi explained during an interview with Sky Sports F1. “Sometimes, I write him to tell him that I’m proud because I know he followed me when he was little, and seeing where he has reached and how he won the Formula 1 championship, for me, is impressive.”
Rossi added that seeing Norris’s fans dressed in neon yellow reminds him of pleasant moments from his own audiences. “When I see the yellow stands, it’s a great pleasure,” he said. “It’s as if a little part of it is also mine.”
“This connection between Formula 1 drivers and MotoGP riders is great because all MotoGP riders are big fans of Formula 1, and we always enjoy when we talk, as for us it’s similar, but they are two different worlds; we always enjoy it,” he added.
When specifically asked about Norris’s winning season, Rossi replied with a smile: “I would never want to compete against Verstappen.” After admitting he probably would have had to physically fight the Red Bull driver if he were against him, Rossi praised Norris’s approach.
“Yes, I don’t know if it’s the right way, but for me it’s a normal way. He kept his patience, and his maturity at that moment made the difference, and I believe that in the end, he showed what he could do and won the championship, so I’m very happy for him.”
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
