Lando Norris ‘inspires’ Bristol school with thank you video

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Lando Norris 'inspires' Bristol school with thank you video



Bea Swallow

BBC News, Bristol

Lando Norris thanks students at his old primary school for all their support

A Formula 1 driver has surprised his former primary school with a video message thanking pupils and staff for their support.

Lando Norris, 25, who drives for McLaren, told Chew Stoke Church School in Bristol: “This season has been incredible, a lot of this is down to you. Thanks for cheering me on every weekend.”

The pupils had sent him handwritten letters to congratulate him on his first F1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix in May 2024.

Louise, 10, said the video was “amazing”, adding: “He sat on the carpet where we sat. I feel like I can do anything now, be whatever I want.”

Pupils and staff at Lando Norris’ former school speak of their happiness after F1 driver sends video message

Norris also sent them a signed print, a replica helmet and individual gifts for all the children who had written to him.

He also hinted a visit to the school could soon be on the cards.

A large group of young pupils at the primary school, sitting on wooden benches in a school hall. They are wearing black trousers or skirts and dark blue jumpers. There is a grey and white school dog standing in front of them. In the background there are artistic displays and a blue climbing frame is folded away against the wall.

Pupils at Chew Stoke Church School wrote to Lando Norris after his Grand Prix win

Teaching assistant Sue Lewis said: “I don’t think we expected him to have the time to be able to reply to us, so when he did it was so exciting, not just for the children but for the staff as well.”

Ms Lewis remembers the exact spot where Mr Norris sat cross-legged on her classroom carpet, some 20 years ago.

Chew Stoke Church School A class picture taken when Lando Norris was a pupil at the primary school. There are three rows of children wearing blue sweatshirts with the school logo on it. They are standing outside with trees in the background. Three female teachers stand at the back of the children smiling at the camera. All of the children's faces have been blurred except for Lando Norris.Chew Stoke Church School

His teachers say Lando Norris (unblurred) was motivated to succeed from an early age

“Looking back, I think there was a motivational spark that made him want to be good at whatever he did,” she said.

“It’s amazing to see him flourish like he has.”

Headteacher Ben Hewett said a flurry of excitement rushed through the school halls when Lando Norris took his place on top of the podium – but it hardly came as a surprise.

Sue Lewis smiling into the camera. She is wearing a black and green animal print top. She has blonde mid-length hair with a fringe.

Teaching assistant Sue Lewis remembers Mr Norris sitting in her classroom at the primary school

He said: “Lando is just a great person who has shown us that hard work and perseverance really does pay off in life.

“Set big goals for yourself and you really can achieve them. It’s been really inspiring for us, he’s a great role model for our children to look up to.”



Source link : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0q1wwk7p2do

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Publish date : 2025-02-26 14:59:09

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