Twelve years after Lewis Hamilton burst onto the Formula 1 scene, the British press are hailing another McLaren young gun after rookie Lando Norris’ stunning Australian Grand Prix qualifying effort.

At just 19, Norris upstaged the likes of former world champion Kimi Raikkonen to be eighth fastest for Sunday’s season opener in Melbourne.

Norris had a hard act to follow when he signed to make his Formula 1 debut in 2019 with McLaren.

Unfair comparisons were quickly made with fellow Briton Hamilton who made a remarkable 2007 debut with McLaren at 22, finishing third in his rookie season before winning the title the following year.

It remains to be seen if Norris can follow in the footsteps of five-time world champ Hamilton.

But it seems Norris is comfortable with the hype judging by his impressive Albert Park qualifying effort.

Norris overcame nerves to notch battling outfit McLaren’s best qualifying result since the Monaco GP in May last year.

He finished one spot ahead of Alfa Romeo’s Raikkonen, who at 39 is not only the oldest driver in the field but also 20 years Norris’ senior.

Norris also left his experienced McLaren teammate Carlos Sainz in his wake.

Sainz – armed with 81 race starts – qualified 18th on the 20-strong grid.

In contrast, fellow Formula 1 rookies Alexander Albon (Toro Rosso) was 13th and Williams’ George Russell finished second last in qualifying.

“I was so nervous, that almost overrode a lot of the enjoyment,” Norris said.

“I need to make sure I treasure this.”

It was a stunning effort for a once mighty team that has since lost its lustre.

The former home of Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna, McLaren also took Hamilton to the first of his five titles in 2008.

But they were a distant sixth in the 2018 constructors’ championship.