F1 News: Lando Norris - "I Believe I Can Win Championships With McLaren"
Lando Norris has secured his future with McLaren Racing beyond the 2025 season thanks to a new multi-year contract extension. This move solidifies Norris' key role in McLaren's long-term strategy and highlights his significant contributions to the team.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Partnership Extension: Lando Norris, a pivotal figure in McLaren's lineup since his debut, has further extended his commitment to the team, emphasizing a successful six-year partnership.
- Notable Achievements: Norris' remarkable 2023 season, where he accumulated 205 points and achieved six runner-up finishes, including a standout podium at the British Grand Prix, underscores his talent and importance to McLaren's future plans.
- Team Development and Investment: McLaren's focus on nurturing talent is evident in their commitment to both Norris and Oscar Piastri, securing them through at least 2026 and showing a dedication to developing emerging drivers.
McLaren Racing has confirmed an extension of Lando Norris' contract, which will keep him with the team well past the 2025 season. This decision marks a significant milestone in Norris' career, highlighting his growing influence and success within McLaren. Norris' outstanding performance in the 2023 season, where he scored 205 points and secured several podium finishes, including an impressive showing at Silverstone, demonstrates his crucial role in McLaren's strategy and future ambitions.
Reflecting on the contract extension, Norris expressed his confidence at winning an F1 World Championship in his Papaya car:
"McLaren's felt like home since day one.
"I'm just happy to be staying with the people that I've grown up with, who have helped me develop as a driver, who made me into the person I am today. The team's as strong as it's ever been.
"They're who I believe I can win my championships with, prepared more than I have ever before. And I'm in a good position. I feel confident, I think, as a team, with the people I have around me, with everyone here at McLaren.
"We've got what it takes. Everything's in place."
McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella also shared their thoughts on Norris' contract extension, expressing their confidence in his abilities and their excitement for the future.
“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.”
Stella continued:
“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.”