MCLAREN RACING BETS ON LANDO NORRIS IN MULTI-YEAR F1 DRIVER CONTRACT.
Lando Norris and McLaren Racing have committed to an extension of the 4-year agreement penned in February 2022 that was to last until the end of 2025, but this latest renewal will see the 24-year-old stay with the popular team until at least the end of 2026. Norris, who recently surpassed 100 Formula 1 starts had a great 2023 season - recording six second-place finishes as well as a standout drive in the British Grand Prix where he became the first McLaren driver to finish on the Silverstone podium since 2010. Added to that he also picked up a third-place in the Qatar GP as well as two sprint race podiums. McLaren has a great track record of developing new talent to compete at the very top of motorsport so consistent support of young and talented drivers remains a core value of the team and with Oscar Piastri’s contract extension announced in September 2023, McLaren’s Formula 1 team line-up of Lando and Oscar should be in effect until at least the end of the 2026 race season. The young duo impressed in their maiden season as teammates, securing back-to-back double podiums with silverware in both Japan and Qatar. The team finished the year with 302 points as McLaren climbed to fourth in the FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship. The significant capital investments into infrastructure, such as a new wind tunnel and a new generation simulator at the McLaren Technology Centre as well as the opening of the McLaren Racing Composites facility, all represent the team’s objective to be competing at the front of the grid. Additionally, the recruitment of exciting new hires adds to the existing talent within the team, setting the foundations for long-term success through high-performance car competitiveness and team operations. Having spent his entire Formula 1 career with McLaren, Lando’s commitment and experience will play a vital role in the team’s ambitions going forward as they look to build on the strong momentum gained from the second half of last season.
Lando Norris, Driver, McLaren F1, said:
“It’s a great feeling to be staying in papaya. I’ve grown up with McLaren and feel at home here, the team are like family to me. The journey so far has been exciting, we’ve had ups and downs, but last season showed our desire to get back to competing at the front of the grid. The work Zak, Andrea and the whole team have put in over the last year has been incredible and I’m confident in challenging for wins with McLaren. I’m excited to create more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years.”
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:
“I’m delighted that we’re continuing our relationship with Lando for multiple years to come. It’s been a fantastic journey over the last six years, and he has shown fantastic commitment and desire to push the team forward and get McLaren back to the front of the grid. Last season we saw the fundamental role Lando played with the impressive turnaround in results and I’m looking forward to continuing this push forward together with lots more podiums.”
Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, said:
“I’m pleased to confirm the extension of our partnership with Lando on a multi-year contract beyond 2025. This reflects the commitment and confidence we have together, with our shared ambition to ultimately win championships again in the future. Lando has grown as a driver and a person since initially joining McLaren in 2017. He impressed last season, playing an important role in our progress throughout the year, securing seven podiums with many fantastic drives. Alongside Oscar, our exciting driver pairing will play an instrumental part in our objective to move towards the front of the grid. They have impressed in their first season together and I’m looking forward to continuing the hard work with them both on this exciting journey.”
Take a look at the YouTube video that does a good job of showing the emotional side of Formula One and how drivers feel and need a place to call home. Having a solid multi-year contract goes a long way to helping a driver concentrate on the task of winning races instead of wondering if they'll lose a seat if there's a mess in a race or two: This is Lando's Home 🧡 | McLaren
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