Lando Norris Commits to McLaren: A Wise Decision?

Lando Norris is a very talented driver. Does McLaren give him the machinery he deserves?

As the F1 season approaches with pre-season testing just around the corner, many fans are eagerly anticipating the new grid lineup and what it could mean for the sport. One driver who has caught the attention of many is Lando Norris, who has developed into one of the better drivers on the grid in recent years. Despite this, some have doubts about his decision to remain loyal to his team, McLaren.

At just 23 years old, Norris is entering his fifth season with McLaren, having signed a long-term commitment with the team in 2021 that will see him stay until the end of 2025. While some have praised his loyalty to the team, others, such as former F1 driver Jenson Button, question whether it was a wise decision.

Button, speaking to Sky Sports, expressed his surprise that Norris would choose to stay with a team that is unlikely to be competing for wins next season. 

"I was surprised when he signed a long-term deal. 

"Because in this sport, you don’t know who’s at the front and you need to be in a winning car. Your talent is not enough to bring a car to the front."

While it is true that McLaren has not been competitive in recent years, there are reasons to believe that the team could be on the rise. But Button believes, like many fans of the British driver, that Lando deserves machinery that is already capable to winning.

"You know, you can help them develop, but you need to be in a competitive car that can win races and McLaren haven’t given them that.

They’re doing well, but at this point in his career, he needs to be in a winning car."

I highly doubt McLaren will show performance to threaten the top three of Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes. But in the unlikely chance their 2023 contender has pace, Lando will finally be in a car he deserves. If not, then I highly believe that he should be on the lookout for a place elsewhere.