F1 News: McLaren CEO Stands Firm On Lando Norris Position
With the reports of Lando Norris switching to Red Bull next year, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has come out into the open to clarify that the McLaren driver isn't going anywhere else in the near future. Not until his contract with the Woking-based outfit expires in 2025.
Along with the reports are rumors that have created a mixed bag, courtesy of speculations over Sergio Perez's future with the Red Bull team in 2024 that seemed dicey a few weeks ago until Red Boss boss Christian Horner came forward to confirm his seat throughout his contract that expires the end of next year.
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What fuelled the rumours even more was Norris' revelation that he would be glad to work alongside friend Max Verstappen, and is open to the opportunity in the future. He told Planet F1:
“It’s definitely something I would be open to in the future.
"I think it’d be great to work alongside someone like that and, at the same time, see where I can really stand against him. I’d be open for it.”
However, Brown recently rubbished Nico Rosberg's statements on Norris when he said, “Where’s he going? Next year already, I hear there’s a switch coming.” Instead, the McLaren boss went on to make a clarification that the team won't permit Norris an early release before his contract expires at the end of 2025.
When asked by Motorsport-Total.com if the team would reject any offers to release Norris from the contract, Brown hinted that his driver was not for sale. He said:
“Correct. Lando will be racing at McLaren through to 2025. Absolutely.”
Brown put an end to all kinds of speculations of Norris making a switch to Red Bull, particularly after the Belgian-British driver received praise from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Not to forget the Red Bull advisor's inclination toward Norris to race alongside Verstappen.
