The 'almost incomprehensible' rise of Lando Norris

Lando Norris competes in Formula 1 with McLaren

Over the course of five years, Lando Norris has quickly become a prominent figure in the world of Formula 1.

With McLaren, he has raced all over the world, and recently won his first Grand Prix in Miami.

The 24-year-old's skills became clear to those around him at a very early age.

As his success continues to soar, the next generation of talent is watching on with the hopes of following in his footsteps.

'Amazing'

"It's almost incomprehensible," said Rob Dodds, who coached Norris as a child.

The Bristol-born racer began karting at Clay Pigeon Raceway in Dorchester at the age of seven.

"Ten or 15 years ago, he was in the front of my van and we were going off to a track somewhere.

"The next minute, he’s flying off to go race in Monaco.

"It’s amazing how far he’s gone in such a short space of time," Mr Dodds added.

Rob Dodds was Lando Norris' first coach

As a child, Norris attended weekly karting sessions, travelling down from Glastonbury to Dorchester with his father and older brother.

Mr Dodds "vividly" remembers an early test drive from Norris, who completed a lap of the track in 39 seconds.

“I was on the far side of the track.

"I saw Lando go past and this little thumb came up.

"He was seven years old then.

"Most of the people doing those times are in the senior part of their cadet career - they were 11 or 12 - so we knew at that stage that he was definitely one to watch."

Rob Dodds said Lando Norris was "one to watch" from the start of his career

In 2019, Norris made his Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix.

He achieved his first podium in 2020 in Austria, and his first pole position the following year in Russia.

In May, at his 110th race at the Miami Grand Prix, Norris celebrated his first victory after beating reigning world champion, Max Verstappen.

Lando Norris won the Miami Grand Prix in May

Back on the track in Dorchester, Mr Dodds is coaching more youngsters with dreams of making it to Formula 1.

Oscar, from Poole, Dorset, has been karting since eight and racing since 10.

Now, the 12-year-old looks up to Norris, whom he described as his "favourite driver".

"He was part of [Clay Piegeon], so it feels good knowing that I can see my future," he said.

"It's quite special... in a few years, people might be saying I raced here."

Hattie began karting eight months ago, after being introduced to the sport by her father.

The 10-year-old, from The New Forest, said she feels "amazed" to be training at the same place as Norris.

"[Karting] makes me feel confident and I really like it," she said.

Rob Dodds (C) with Oliver (L) and Lando Norris (R)

“It’s like a film really," Mr Dodds said.

"At this age, the success [Norris] has had and all the places all round the world that he’s been and the people he’s met.

Mr Dodds said Norris is his "real" self in the spotlight, and is clearly "very comfortable" in the environment with the McLaren team.

"I think that is what is making him thrive," he said.

Mr Dodds added: "The biggest thing was that he had this will - he wanted to do it.

"I’m immensely proud.”