Norris: Anyone who doubts Hamilton is a bit silly

Hamilton struggled in recent years at Mercedes, especially since the start of the current era of ground effect aero regulations, as the Brackley-based outfit failed to deliver a car that remotely compared with the dominant machinery they've built between 2014 and 2021 when they dominated the sport.

And while the Mercedes F1 cars have not been up to scratch, it seemed that George Russell was able to handle them better than Hamilton, the younger Briton beating his decorated teammate comprehensively in qualifying 18 to 6.

Hamilton would be looking for a fresh start at Ferrari and even targeting that elusive eighth F1 title that would put him one step higher than legend Michael Schumacher, but many are skeptical about his chances to do so given his age and the fact that he would be up against Ferrari's homebred Charles Leclerc.

But Norris warned Hamilton detractors that writing him off already would be at their own peril, as they won't look good doing so.

Speaking at McLaren's launch event of their 2025 F1 car, the MCL39, Norris was asked whether Hamilton would find new motivation at Ferrari; he responded: "I would have thought so. I don't know. Again, everyone's different.

"I think it's cool what he's doing and what he's done and going to Ferrari. I think it's very special. I think Ferrari is incredible.

"I feel like he would struggle to find any reasons to not be motivated. You know, it's an incredible opportunity for him. It's a cool story.

"I'm sure there's a lot of bonuses with a lot of things going over to Ferrari, so there's a lot of reasons to be more motivated and be ready to go.

"It's Lewis, and I think anyone who doubts him is a bit silly," the Briton concluded.

Ahead of the 2025 F1 season, Norris is tipped to be fighting for the title for the second year in a row as McLaren will be favorites once again.