Race and classic pictures

Two Landos, one crown: Norris meets his twin at Madame Tussauds

It is not every day you get to stand face-to-face with yourself, but reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris did exactly that this week at Madame Tussauds in London.

The 26-year-old Somerset-born McLaren driver spent time earlier this year working closely with the world-famous Baker Street attraction to ensure his new wax doppelganger was an absolute dead ringer.

When the big reveal finally happened, Norris couldn't help but marvel at his silent, incredibly still twin. Striking a pose right next to the figure – which is decked out in a signature papaya-colored McLaren race suit generously donated by the champion himself.

Norris grinned and called the meeting "pretty cool”, before jokingly asking: "Is it weird if I compliment myself?"

The level of detail on the figure is unmatched, right down to a replica of the exact helmet Norris wore when he clinched his historic first F1 drivers' championship.

Reflecting on the bizarre yet thrilling experience, Norris said: "Seeing the figure finished and being able to stand next to it is surreal. The artists have really nailed the details too, it's so lifelike.

“I'm very happy with it and can't wait for everyone to come and see it this summer."

Fans won't have to wait long to see the champion's twin in person. The waxwork will officially be unveiled to the public on June 30, perfectly timed just ahead of next week’s highly anticipated British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Fittingly, the figure is set to take pole position in Madame Tussauds London's 'Culture Capital' zone, rubbing shoulders with British sporting royalty like Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mo Salah, Mary Earps, and Anthony Joshua.

If you are heading to London this summer, it is the perfect pit stop to see an F1 World Champion up close!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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