PUPILS at the former Chew Valley school of Lando Norris have been left “amazed” by a video message from the Formula 1 star thanking them for their support.
The 25-year-old McLaren driver is a former pupil of Chew Stoke Church School who has since gone on to become a household name in British motorsport.
During the 2024 F1 season, Lando won his first race at the Miami Grand Prix before going on to win three more in the Netherlands, Singapore and Abu Dhabi, becoming an outside contender for the driver’s championship. Although he didn’t become champion, he did help McLaren win the constructor’s championship for the first time since 1998.
And, since then, children at Chew Stoke Church School wanted to mark his first win and share their pride by sending handwritten letters to Lando congratulating him.
To show his gratitude, the driver sent a video message to the school thanking them for all of their support during the past season. In the video, he says the success he achieved in 2024 was partly down to the support of the school and he also hinted he might pay it a visit in the future.
He told pupils in the video: "Its been a very long time since I've been there, but I still get a lot of messages, and especially over the last year I got a lot of messages, notes and letters from all of you, so I want to say a very big thank you because this season has been incredible.
"I scored my first win, I scored three more wins after that, and my team managed to win a championship, and a lot of this is down to you, so thanks for your support and cheering me on every weekend".
He also sent pupils miniature replicas of his helmet, Lego sets of his McLaren car, and a limited edition print made by artist David Johnson to commemorate his first win.
This print has a personalised message of gratitude written on the bottom, which says: “To all the kids and teachers at Chew Stoke Primary School, thank you for all your support, kindness and your amazing letters. You’re the best.”
Principal of Chew Stoke Church School, Ben Hewett, taught at the school when Lando attended. He said: “I think the children were all quite amazed when he gave the time to come back with a video message, that was a real surprise to them, and they didn’t expect anything regarding gifts.
“He was here about 20 years ago now, but there are a few staff who can remember Lando. I think for all of us we are feel really proud of what he has achieved.
“It really shows our children that a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance can help you achieve great things. It is a really nice thing for the children.
“Even though he was only with us for two or three years, the fact that he’s still willing to keep that contact going is great, and hopefully he has fond memories.
“This season we’re going to following how he’s doing with the children during assembly time. He did incredibly well getting second last year, let’s hope he can do one better this year.”