The McLaren driver won his maiden world title last season and says it is flattering to be in the company of drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in claiming the sport's ultimate prize.

Norris told the Daily Mail newspaper: "It is amazing having the thought of being world champion in my head.

"It’s also amazing to be reminded of it by others when I compare it to what I grew up wanting. I have a different perspective and feeling now, having watched Lewis, Jenson and Seb (Vettel) winning it on TV.

"When it is you, it is a different way of viewing things. People may look at you differently from the outside but it doesn’t change my opinion of myself."

Norris begins the defence of his title in Australia this weekend and he expects McLaren to be fighting at the front of the field as the sport introduces wholesale regulation changes.

The British racer said: "As for us at McLaren, we didn’t look the quickest last year in pre-season testing in Bahrain. And then we turned up to Australia and we were very good. Just wait and see. We are in the top four teams so we know we’re in a good world. As long we’re in a fight, then it’s a long season."

Norris suggested last year that he could stop after winning one world title but has now stressed that he is determined to win more.

He said: "No, 100 per cent I want to win more. I am in Formula One to win. I will stop if I know I no longer like it. But it won’t be anytime soon.

"I do what I do because I have loved racing since I was a kid. I love it. In two years, I may feel differently; it may be five years, or 10 years. It may never be. I don’t know."