Lando Norris Says Lewis Hamilton 'Should Have Been' Eight-Time Champion

Lando Norris has reignited discussion around the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stating that Lewis Hamilton "should have been" an eight-time world champion. The McLaren driver made the remark during a fan event, echoing a sentiment still widely held four years after the title-deciding race.

Why it matters:

The 2021 finale remains one of the most contentious moments in modern F1 history, with its outcome directly altering the sport's record books. Norris's casual yet public agreement with the widespread "robbed" narrative underscores how the controversy continues to define perceptions of both Hamilton's legacy and the integrity of that specific sporting moment, even years later.

The details:

• During a promotional event with McLaren CEO Zak Brown, Norris was discussing Hamilton's move to Ferrari when the crowd interrupted him, shouting "eight" in reference to championship titles.
• Norris immediately agreed, stating, "Should have been eight," before continuing to praise Hamilton's skill and experience.
• The 2021 Controversy: The remark refers to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered tied on points. Hamilton led the race until a late Safety Car period.
• The Decisive Call: Then-race director Michael Masi made an unprecedented decision to allow only the lapped cars between Hamilton (on old tires) and Verstappen (on fresh tires) to unlap themselves, setting up a one-lap shootout.
• Verstappen overtook Hamilton to win his first title, while Mercedes protested that the race had been "manipulated."
• Norris's Past Criticism: At the time, Norris was openly critical, suggesting the restart procedure was "made to be a fight" and "for the TV."

The big picture:

Hamilton's lost eighth title has become a defining 'what if' in F1 lore. While Verstappen and Red Bull have since dominated the sport, the events of that day continue to fuel debate about race control consistency and the balance between sporting fairness and entertainment. Norris's comment, made lightheartedly at a fan event, shows how this single race result persists as a shared reference point and a point of sympathy for Hamilton among his peers on the grid.

What's next:

The topic is unlikely to fade, especially with Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2027 and continuing his quest for a record-breaking eighth title. Every time he comes close, the ghosts of 2021 will be invoked. The incident led to significant regulatory changes, including the removal of the race director's role from direct team radio communication, but its legacy as a pivotal and disputed moment is permanently etched into F1 history.