Norris confident going into Silverstone: "I know I can do it".

Norris putting in a strong season

Hamilton and Norris had a battle on track in Austria, which was eventually won by Norris. The young Briton crossed the finish line in third place and was even praised by Hamilton during the race.

"I feel like if I am in that position next time I know I am able to do it," Norris told The Guardian about his battle with Hamilton. "After lap five I thought: ‘Oh no, he is going to come past me next lap.’ But then you keep going and I thought: ‘I am doing well here, I can keep him behind.’"

One-on-one with Hamilton for the first time

The lap-long battle with Hamilton did Norris good. "I know if I am in that situation again and the speed difference is the same again I feel more confident. It sets you up for the next time it happens and you have the confidence you can do it again," he said. The McLaren driver took a hefty load of confidence away from the fight with the seven-time world champion.

Norris does admit, however, that it was a special experience. "It was the first time I was really racing against Lewis for more than one corner like in the past." The 21-year-old driver was happy to keep Hamilton 15 laps behind him.