Before becoming a Formula 1 world champion, Lando Norris started his career… on two wheels. An accident that happened when he was a child, however, pushed him to definitely give up motorcycles for karting.
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Today a McLaren driver and reigning world champion, Lando Norris is a MotoGP enthusiast.
A great admirer of Valentino Rossi, from whom he drew inspiration for his famous fluorescent yellow color, the Briton also maintains a special relationship with the Italian legend.
But few people know that Norris started his career on a motorcycle, long before discovering karting.
“Actually, I started on motorcycles. Even before trying a kart, even before driving a four-wheeled vehicle.”
A decisive accident
This first experience on two wheels quickly came to an end. Still very young, Norris suffered a fall that completely changed his destiny.
“I had an accident and never did it again. I simply wasn’t made for it.”
Still with his usual humor, the McLaren driver then added: “But nobody is going to tell Zak Brown, okay?”
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The desire to get back on the bike
Even though he then fully dedicated himself to karting and then Formula 1, Norris never lost his attraction to motorcycles. He now plans to get back into it outside of his F1 activities.
“I’m trying to buy my first motorcycle and I want to get into it.”
With a smile, he admits, however, that he had somewhat excessive ambitions at the start.
“I was looking to buy a MotoGP right away and give it my all from the beginning.”
The priority remains Formula 1
Despite this desire to return to two wheels, Norris reminds that his priority remains Formula 1 and the pursuit of new world titles.
“I want to do some motorcycling again. Obviously, my priority remains totally Formula 1 and I hope to win many more world championships.”
The Briton concludes by explaining that he simply wants to enjoy his passion more.
“Life is short. It goes by fast. And I want to rediscover the sensations of two wheels to see what it feels like.”
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