Jonas LeoDoha, Qatar – Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has extended an invitation to McLaren star Lando Norris for a joint motorcycle trackday, following Norris’s candid admission of envy regarding Hamilton’s renowned 2019 bike swap with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. The exchange unfolded during a light-hearted interview session with F1 drivers at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix weekend, where the conversation pivoted to the allure of two-wheeled racing at the Losail International Circuit.
The discussion, held before a captivated crowd at the circuit famed for its MotoGP heritage, saw several prominent Formula 1 drivers probed about their interest in tackling the challenging Losail track on a motorcycle. While some drivers expressed enthusiasm, others remained decidedly cautious. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, known for his methodical approach on four wheels, immediately dismissed the prospect with a firm, "Hell no," underscoring his preference for safety by adding that he valued his life too much to engage in high-speed motorcycle racing. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and the newly rebranded Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson both indicated a willingness to try, showcasing a broader appetite for diverse motorsport experiences among the younger generation. In contrast, Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, renowned for his frank assessments, admitted to being "dreadful on two wheels," humorously adding, "I’m only half decent on four wheels half the time so…" This self-deprecating remark drew laughter, highlighting the vastly different skill sets required for F1 and MotoGP.
Hamilton, by this point a seasoned campaigner with Ferrari following his high-profile move for the 2025 season, required no convincing. His long-standing affection for motorcycles is well-documented within the motorsport community, predating his illustrious Formula 1 career. His passion culminated in a highly publicized and historic machine swap with Valentino Rossi at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, in December 2019. In an unprecedented event that captivated global motorsport audiences, Hamilton rode Rossi’s Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, while "The Doctor" took the wheel of Hamilton’s Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+, the very car in which Hamilton secured his fourth World Championship in 2017. The event served as a testament to the mutual respect between two titans of their respective disciplines and showcased the remarkable adaptability of elite athletes. Hamilton, a knighted figure in British motorsport, has often spoken about the unparalleled thrill and different physical demands of riding powerful motorcycles, an experience that complements his intense focus on grand prix racing.
Norris, upon hearing Hamilton recount the details of his experience with Rossi, quickly interjected, conveying his profound admiration and a touch of professional jealousy. "I was very jealous of this. You got to ride with Valentino before I did," Norris told Hamilton, emphasizing a shared but unfulfilled ambition. He then revealed his own early roots in motorsport, stating, "I started on bikes before I started with four wheels." This revelation provided crucial context to his envy, highlighting a foundational passion that predates his rise through the karting ranks and into Formula 1.
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Indeed, Norris has consistently spoken over the years about his formative years on two wheels, including motorbikes and quad bikes, before making the pivotal transition to karting. He has previously confided that becoming a MotoGP rider was a significant childhood dream, a goal he harbored intensely before his aspirations shifted decisively towards a career in Formula 1. This early exposure to motorcycle racing likely instilled in him a unique sense of balance, speed perception, and throttle control, attributes that undoubtedly contribute to his exceptional car control in F1.
The McLaren driver, who secured his maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, has frequently expressed a desire to revisit his two-wheeled roots, despite the inherent risks such activities pose to professional racing drivers under contract. "I’ll make a return one day to the motorcycle ring and I’ll have a go," he affirmed during the Qatar interview, signaling a firm intention to indulge this long-held passion. It was this declaration that prompted Hamilton, ever the enthusiast and keen mentor, to extend his spontaneous invitation.
"We should do a trackday together," Hamilton suggested, his offer met with immediate and enthusiastic acceptance from Norris. "Oh, down after the season. Yeah," Norris replied, indicating a genuine eagerness to take up the opportunity, potentially once the intense pressures of the Formula 1 calendar subside for the year. The prospect of two of Formula 1’s most popular and talented drivers sharing a track on motorcycles immediately ignited excitement among fans present and those following the news online. Social media platforms quickly buzzed with reactions, reflecting a strong desire among the motorsport faithful to witness such a crossover event. One fan commented, "I need the 444 trackday PLEASE," referencing the combination of Hamilton’s traditional car number 44 and Norris’s car number 4. Another enthusiast added, "Lewis and Lando trackday would definitely be something," while a third declared, "I would pay to see a Hamilton and Norris trackday."
The Losail International Circuit, the backdrop for this engaging discussion, is a fitting location for such reflections. Since its inauguration in 2004, it has become synonymous with motorcycle racing, particularly as a regular host of the MotoGP World Championship, often serving as the season opener under its distinctive floodlights. Its fast, flowing corners and long main straight make it a demanding circuit for both bikes and cars, offering unique challenges that test rider and driver skill alike. The track’s history includes iconic MotoGP battles and moments, solidifying its status as a premier venue for two-wheeled motorsport.
For Lewis Hamilton, the trackday invitation underscores his enduring connection to the broader world of motorsport beyond the confines of Formula 1. His ability to adapt to different machinery and his genuine appreciation for other racing disciplines have long been recognized. For Lando Norris, the opportunity represents a chance to reconnect with a childhood dream and to learn from one of the sport’s most experienced and versatile figures. Norris, a consistent front-runner in Formula 1 with McLaren, has steadily built a reputation for speed, race craft, and a charismatic personality, culminating in his recent victory and numerous podium finishes. His current season with McLaren has seen him further cement his status as a formidable competitor, regularly challenging for wins and demonstrating exceptional consistency.
Should the proposed trackday materialize, it would not only offer a unique spectacle for fans but also provide a rare glimpse into the camaraderie and shared passion that exists between competitors, even across different generations and teams. It would highlight the common thread that binds all elite racers: an insatiable drive for speed and an intrinsic love for the art of machinery control, regardless of the number of wheels. The prospect of these two highly skilled athletes pushing the limits on motorcycles promises to be an event of considerable interest, further blurring the lines between the distinct yet intertwined worlds of Formula 1 and MotoGP.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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