Lando Norris admitted that winning both of the Formula Renault 2.0 titles in 2016 was an amazing feeling as the sixteen-year-old did enough to add the Northern European Cup to his Eurocup title.
Despite failing to win any of the three races at the Hockenheimring, Norris headed into the weekend with a significant gap to his rivals, and after a second place in the red-flagged and rain-shortened opening race, the Josef Kaufmann Racing driver clinched the title with fourth place in race two, putting himself out of reach before taking third place in the final race of the season.
Norris became the youngest winner of the NEC crown as a result of his triumph, taking that accolade away from current Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz Jr, while he is also the youngest driver to win both the NEC and Eurocup titles in the same season.
“It feels really great to get another title – it’s been an amazing season,” said Norris. “I went into each Championship hoping to win them, but it’s gone better than I expected or could have hoped for.
“I won last week’s title with a round to spare and although this one was only with a race to spare, it came after two DNFs.
“It’s nice to be breaking a few records as well. To know I have not only won the Championship, but set a record or two, make them even more special.”
After being tipped by Mark Webber to be the next British Formula 1 starlet, Norris admitted it was a great feeling to have such a prominent racer give such a positive endorsement.
“It’s great to be mentioned by people like Mark Webber, especially after the amazing career he’s had,” said Norris. “It hopefully means I’m doing something right.
“I’m going to enjoy this win, but keep working hard on and off the track. Again, I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me to these titles this year, from my family and the Josef Kaufmann Racing team to ADD Motorsports, Pap and Louise.”
