'Patriotic' Hill fuels Norris' title bid: 'He's back with a vengeance'

12:09, 17 Nov

Updated: 12:18, 17 Nov

byTobia Elia

Damon Hill has thrown his support behind Lando Norris in the title fight, calling him genuine world-championship material.

"From a patriotic point of view, of course we're rooting for Lando – keep it in the family a little bit!"

- Damon Hill

With just three races and a sprint to go, the Brit leads the drivers’ standings by 24 points over his teammate — almost a full race in hand — and carries all the momentum after the run of results in recent weeks.

Speaking in an interview with The Mirror, the 1996 world champion expressed his admiration for his compatriot, praising him highly: "Lando is world champion material, he's already shown that this year. There was a time when he went missing, but he's definitely back with a vengeance now, so it's looking good for him.

"From a patriotic point of view, of course we're rooting for Lando – keep it in the family a little bit! We've got a great record in this country of world champions. We always seem to be able to produce a new one. If one of us withers, then there's another one waiting."

Interlagos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday 9 November 2025 - Race winner Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren celebrates on the podium. - Photo: Race Pictures

Hill also acknowledged Piastri’s recent struggles but believes the Australian will find a way to bounce back, with support from his manager, Mark Webber: "His trajectory, he was getting stronger and stronger, but you can’t ignore the fact that he's had a bit of a blip.

"Mark is able to guide him and give him some encouragement, hopefully, on that side of things. You do need to draw on resources, as a driver. It can be quite a lonely place if you don't have someone whose brain you can pick. You certainly can't go around the place asking everyone, you have to have trusted advisors."

McLaren favoritism branded 'the greatest load of nonsense of all time'

1980 F1 champion Alan Jones has firmly dismissed the idea that McLaren are favouring Norris at Piastri’s expense, in light of the recent speculation swirling over the past weeks.

According to the Australian, both drivers enjoy the same equipment and treatment, stressing that “teams don’t spend an absolute fortune travelling around the world to stymie one car or give preference to the other.”

Read his full statements here.

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