Lando Norris receives custom Land Rover as F1 star unveils list of demands - 'We've never had that request before'

Specialist Land Rover restoration company Retro Automotive conducted the work and made massive improvements to the slick Defender.

The restoration took more than 1,000 hours to complete and features a grey paint coat on the exterior of the vehicle.

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Ben Davies, director at Retro Automotive, commented: “When we consulted with Lando about his customisation project, he was clear that he wanted the car to be completely topless, without any form of roof or sticks.

“We’ve never had that request before. Customers normally want some form of roof on it, so this really enhanced the individuality of the creation.”

The rear bench seats have been extended to ensure Lando can accommodate even more passengers on his journeys, with other features including Apple CarPlay and a removable Marshall Kilburn II cubby speaker system.

Davies outlined that the vehicle creation for the Formula One driver will be an “eagle-eyed” attraction for visitors who want to see the design in Monaco.

Indeed, the 24-year-old F1 driver reached out to Ben and his team via Instagram after seeing another of their creations which went viral.

Retro Automotive produces just 15 vehicles per year with demand for Retro Defenders’ creations “far outstripping” the supply, he said.

The time taken between consultation of the vehicle through to the delivery can take at least six months to complete.

Davies continued: "Lando had been sitting around the dinner table with some fellow F1 drivers and they were all chatting about how they loved the car and what the brand stood for."

“After he sent us a DM, we explained a little more about our philosophy, craftsmanship and attention to detail, and we then set about consulting with him to create his own bespoke retro-styled Defender that will sit proudly alongside his existing collection of other head-turning supercars," he detailed.

At the most recent race, the historic Monaco Grand Prix, Norris finished in fourth with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari coming out as the winner.

Leclerc told Sky Sports: "It's such a difficult race, I think the fact twice I've been starting on pole position, and we couldn't quite make it makes it even better in a way.

"It means a lot, obviously. It's the race which made me dream of becoming a Formula One driver one day.

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"Fifteen laps to the end you're hoping nothing happens and the emotions are coming.

"My dad has given everything for me to be here and it was a dream of ours for me to race here and win here, so it's unbelievable."

The next race of the season, the Canadian Grand Prix, is set to take place on Sunday, June 9.