One is a MotoGP legend, the other has just added his name to the Formula 1 record books. At Goodwood, Valentino Rossi did not hide his admiration for Lando Norris, while also sharing a tasty tidbit about Max Verstappen.
Rossi – Norris: Two generations, one shared passion
Champions recognize champions. Guest at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Valentino Rossi took advantage of his meeting with Lando Norris to celebrate the achievements of the new Formula 1 world champion. But true to form, "Il Dottore" couldn't resist adding a touch of humor by mentioning the temperament of Max Verstappen.
The champion who grew up with his idol
Since he started, Lando Norris never hid his admiration for Valentino RossiYellow caps, nods to the number 46 and even a helmet inspired by the Italian legend: the Briton has often claimed this influence.
Seeing his former admirer become world champion today brings a special emotion to the nine-time MotoGP world champion.
“I’m really very proud of Lando. Sometimes I write to him to tell him how proud I am of him. Seeing him become Formula 1 world champion is something amazing for me.” », told Rossi à Sky Sports F1.
A yellow stand that brings back memories
As the season progressed, the stands filled with fans dressed in fluorescent yellow became a familiar sight around the circuits. Impossible for Rossi not to see it as a nod to the famous "yellow army" that accompanied him throughout his MotoGP career.
"When I see all those yellow stands, it really makes me happy. It's like a little part of me is still there."
A transmission of passion that amuses the Italian as much as it moves him.
Verstappen? Rossi prefers to avoid it…
Then came the question everyone was waiting for: how would he have handled a duel against a driver like Max Verstappen ?
The response triggered smiles.
"I would never want to fight against Verstappen."
Before adding, with his usual candor, that he would probably have reacted in a much more explosive way than Norris in such a rivalry.
In his view, the Briton chose the best strategy: to remain calm when the pressure mounted.
"He remained calm. His maturity made all the difference. In the end, he showed what he was capable of and he won the championship. I'm really very happy about that."
Rossi also took the opportunity to reiterate how important the bridges between the MotoGP and the Formula 1 are numerous.
« MotoGP riders are big Formula 1 fans. We always enjoy talking with them. They are two different disciplines, but we share the same passion for competition.
Respect is reciprocal. Norris never hid that Rossi had nurtured his dream of becoming a pilot, while the Italian legend today savors the success of the one who once wore its colors in the stands.
A beautiful story of passing on knowledge… with, along the way, a little self-deprecating jab at the formidable Verstappen.
Lando Norris has revealed he wants to race at Le Mans alongside his childhood hero, Valentino Rossi. 👀
🗣️ “Now we have a lot of races, but with McLaren entering Le Mans, in 3 or 4 years I'd love to do it. It would be an honor for me, and we'd have a lot of fun.”
The ...
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