That unexpected golf session between Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton in 2023 is a great behind-the-scenes story of camaraderie on the F1 grid, having taken place shortly after a particularly frustrating Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for both drivers.
Golf has transformed from a casual hobby into a staple of F1 social life, creating a certain culture for the drivers away from the paddock.
The modern golf obsession currently sweeping the paddock was largely sparked by the infectious friendship between former McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz.
Sainz convinced a then-sceptical Norris, who had previously called golf ‘the most boring thing ever’ to pick up a club.
Norris has since become, in his own words, ‘fully addicted’ to it, frequently playing and discussing his love for the game.
In fact, following his maiden F1 victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, the Briton was invited to play at Augusta National, the legendary setting of The Masters.
Lando Norris once played a round of golf with Lewis Hamilton after bumping into him at the driving range
During a stream on his own personal Twitch channel in 2023, Norris detailed the encounter that led to him playing a full 18 with the seven-time world champion, and the McLaren star’s on-track rival.
Quizzed by a friend regarding the encounter, Norris described the round with the now-Ferrari driver as being a ‘mint game’.
The 2025 world champion then added, “I was at the range, and then he rocked up with one other guy, his Uncle Terry, and he was like, ‘Oh, what’s up? We were about to play, if you want to join?’
“I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll join!”
Norris was then asked what the 104-time Grand Prix winner’s golfing handicap was, to which he replied, “He’s like 15, or 16. He’s alright, he’s got a nice swing.”
Hamilton went on to post a selfie of himself with Norris on a tee box with the caption, “Golf [with] Lando and Uncle Terry. Great game, okay photos”, which garnered over one million likes on Instagram.
Carlos Sainz is regarded as the best golfer on the Formula 1 grid
Sainz is widely considered the best golfer on the grid, currently playing off a handicap of around 8 or 9.
He has a reputation for being the most technically sound player, often helping other drivers get their start in the sport, and his skills reached the spotlight upon his victory in the inaugural Netflix Cup in 2023, alongside PGA pro Justin Thomas.
On the other hand, Lance Stroll is quietly one of the most formidable players in the paddock.
Unlike Sainz and Norris, he doesn’t usually post his rounds on social media, but those who have played with him often say that he is on the better end of the spectrum.
He is also often cited by other drivers as one of the most naturally gifted athletes on the grid.
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