Norris to race with Rossi tribute helmet at Monza

Lando Norris has revealed a special edition helmet inspired by his racing hero, Valentino Rossi, that he will wear for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

McLaren Formula 1 driver Norris grew up idolising MotoGP legend Rossi, and enjoyed a first meeting with the nine-time world champion during the Silverstone MotoGP round last month.

Norris revealed a special helmet design he will wear for this weekend's race at Monza in Rossi's homeland, featuring vibrant yellow and blue colours, and the same font used by Rossi for his name and number. Norris will also style his race boots in the same design.

When in Italy, wear something a little @ValeYellow46 #VR46 #LN4 pic.twitter.com/WFIokAbDVQ

— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) September 5, 2019

"It’s something I’ve always loved, doing my own kit. In karting I used to have different helmets, boots, sticker kits, whatever," Norris explained.

"You’re more limited in car racing. But for the races I can I want to have special helmets and boots.

"For this one I already spoke to Valentino quite a while ago on social media about trying to sort this, as I have to ask him if I can do it. But it's just an opportunity to make this race more special, something to remember it by.

"That was by having more of a connection with Valentino, the guy I’ve always looked up to, my hero, from Italy. So it was more of a dedication to him than anyone else."