Breaking news
Formula 1
Norris passed up hero Rossi's #46 to avoid "copycat" tag
Lando Norris said he steered clear of choosing hero Valentino Rossi’s #46 in Formula 1 because he didn’t want to be a "copycat".
Jonathan Noble
Published: Dec 12, 2018, 2:16 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The young British driver has been a fan of the multiple MotoGP champion since he was young, and considered the Italian’s famous number for his step up to F1 in 2019.
In the end, however, Norris chose number four instead because of how the digit looked, as well as it fitting in perfectly for the hashtag #L4ndo.
“There is a story behind number four: but the story is that there is no story,” said Norris, speaking at the launch of the new OnePlus 6T McLaren special edition phone this week. “The hashtag is great.
“But there has not been a number I have used consecutively in all the series. I had 31, I had 11, and in karting I had 33 and 46, but none of them meant a lot to me. So I just went with the one that looked the best. That’s the best reason!
“I would have had #46 but I didn’t want to just be a copycat, so I chose something for myself. I have something new that fits perfectly into my logo.”
Will Stevens, Caterham CT05 Renault
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images
The number 46 has only been raced once in Formula 1 before when British driver Will Stevens used it for Caterham in a one-off appearance for the team at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Norris says his support of Rossi also made him aware of the career progression of fellow Brit Alex Albon, who is likewise debuting in F1 next year.
Norris added: “I looked up to Alex a lot when I was young, and I liked Alex because he liked Rossi and he used to have 46, and had the colours and everything.
“So therefore I supported Alex when I was really young. He was probably my only hero other than Valentino Rossi, which is a bit weird to think.
“But he was always a cool guy and I used to watch him in all the races from the Cadets to where he is now. It’s a cool thing for Alex to be on the grid too.”
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL33
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Mercedes: Bottas an "alpha" driver like Hamilton
Next article Rowland: F1 "not my aim anymore" after joining Formula E
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Lando Norris
McLaren held fresh talks after Singapore GP clash as Lando Norris promises to "make better decisions"
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
McLaren held fresh talks after Singapore GP clash as Lando Norris promises to "make better decisions"
Lando Norris faces anxious wait as F2 prepares to decide future of his racing team
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
Lando Norris faces anxious wait as F2 prepares to decide future of his racing team
More from
McLaren
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
McLaren to use final 2026 developments to test 2027 F1 car concepts
Formula 1
Formula 1
McLaren to use final 2026 developments to test 2027 F1 car concepts
Latest news
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
5 h
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
5 h
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
6 h
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Talladega II
6 h
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe