F1 LIVE | Norris says Lewis Hamilton 'should have' won eighth title, as Sainz questions 2026 criticism

Last night, a TikTok video of reigning world champion Lando Norris, in which the McLaren driver said Lewis Hamilton "should have" won an eighth F1 title, went viral on social media. Norris was speaking with McLaren boss Zak Brown at a promotional event, and was asked whether Hamilton has a chance of making a title comeback in 2026 before the audience made their feelings heard.

The McLaren driver was interrupted by the crowd, who shouted "eight” at him whilst he was giving his answer on Hamilton's 2026 prospects, a reference to the controversial Abu Dhabi 2021 season finale.

Another man speaking about Hamilton at a promotional event was Williams' Carlos Sainz, although it was not quite as positive. Instead, Sainz took aim at F1 drivers who have criticised the new F1 2026 regulations, arguing it is "not very smart" to speak badly about the sport in public, as it my create a "vicious cycle" in F1.

Sainz said: "I’m in favour of criticising in private, and telling those in charge whether I’m enjoying driving or not. But personally, I don’t like speaking badly about my sport in public, because it creates a vicious cycle. Journalists use it as they buy into what the driver says, everybody starts criticising, and then we get to a race and the show is fine… I prefer to wait."