Lando Norris Extends Contract with McLaren in Multi-Year Deal
In a move that put an end to speculation over his Formula One future, Lando Norris signed a “multi-year” contract extension with McLaren on Friday, Jan. 26, as reported by AFP.
The 24-year-old British driver was already contracted to McLaren until the conclusion of the 2025 season, but the new deal solidified his commitment to the team and quashed talk of a potential move to rivals Red Bull.
Having been with McLaren since 2018, Norris’ future with the team was called into question after a slow start to the 2023 campaign. However, he ultimately enjoyed his most successful season to date, finishing sixth in the world championship and recording six second-placed finishes.
“Considering we were able to do what we did last year, considering it’s a team that I’ve been with from the beginning, it’s a team that I want to continue my story with, in terms of reaching my goal of winning races and winning championships,” Norris said.
“McLaren is the team that I want to do it with. They’re the ones who brought me into Formula One and gave me this opportunity.”
Norris expressed his excitement about continuing with McLaren, highlighting the trajectory the team is on.
Despite Red Bull’s current dominance in the sport with star driver Max Verstappen, Norris emphasized that a change of team was not something he seriously considered.
With 104 races under his belt and 13 podium finishes, Norris’ next challenge is to secure his maiden Grand Prix win.
“Really nothing from any other side was convincing enough to ever want to make me even have a proper look at another team,” he said. “As much as I do want to just be in a team that’s the quickest one, there’s also that element of ‘I’m also here because I love racing and I love to have fun and enjoy all of that’.”
“In the beginning of last year, maybe it wouldn’t have been McLaren but now I think I’m more confident than ever in saying it’s going to be.”
