Formula One world champion Lando Norris said he would love to race alongside MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future.
The pair appeared together at the Goodwood Festival of Speed when the possibility was raised, especially with Rossi having an active endurance racing career following his retirement from MotoGP in 2021.
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Norris immediately embraced the suggestion of racing with the nine-time Grand Prix world champion.
“Hell yeah, I would,” said the McLaren driver.
Rossi, who also oversees the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, was equally enthusiastic about the possibility, but he joked that F1 commitments would make it difficult.
“I tried to ask him, but Formula 1 drivers are very busy now,” the Italian said.
While Norris is unlikely to compete at Le Mans in the near future because of his F1 commitments, McLaren’s planned entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class from 2027 could eventually create an opportunity.
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“We have too many F1 races, but maybe in a couple of years I would love to. It would be an honour for me and a lot of fun,” Norris said.
The partnership would reunite Norris with one of the biggest influences on his racing career.
The Briton often described Rossi as his childhood hero, with his signature fluorescent yellow colours inspired by the Italian’s iconic racing livery.
Reflecting on sharing the stage with Rossi at Goodwood, Norris described the moment as one of the highlights of the weekend.
“This was a cool moment for me. They say don’t meet your heroes [but] definitely meet your heroes,” he said.
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