McLaren F1 claims it has full faith in Lando Norris’ long-term holdings, despite him being an obvious target for other F1 teams.
Lando Norris signed a new contract with the McLaren F1 team earlier this year until the end of 2025. But the move of McLaren F1 team principal Andreas Seidl to Sauber has already raised suggestions that it could lure Norris if the team rebrands as Audi for 2026.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown recognizes Lando Norris’ speed makes him an attractive option for rival teams, but gives McLaren exactly what it needs to keep I think there are all possible reasons.
When asked if he was worried that McLaren could end up losing Lando Norris if he didn’t move up enough on the F1 grid, Brown said: “No. Because I’m sure we can give them a winning car,” he said.
“We have a long-term contract with him. I think he feels very comfortable in the team.”
“Obviously, apart from the pressure we put on ourselves, we don’t just want to give him a car that can win, we want to give him a car that can win. So I think we have a runway to get there. there is
“He knows the journey we’re on. He embraces the journey we’re on and I think it’s too early to worry about it.”
Zak Brown said he is aware that not all junior category stars do well in F1 and has been impressed with Lando Norris since his arrival in F1.
“At every step, he gave us reason to believe that the next step would be great,” Brown added.
“But halfway through they were great drivers, but when you got to the top you saw drivers who didn’t know if it was their fault or the circumstances. What about Jan Magnussen? He was good in every way, but then in Formula 1 it didn’t work out.Jos Verstappen was mega in every way, but in Formula 1 it didn’t work out.”
“Lando was mega in everything, and it worked in Formula 1. In fact, what I’m happiest to see is not just pure pace, but how few mistakes he makes, and how he races. It’s the strength of craft.”
“Look at Lando in the first year. He had the pace, but he probably didn’t stretch his elbows enough. And now he’s a fair but tough character in the race.”
Zak Brown also believes the relationship between Lando Norris and his new teammate Oscar Piastri will be close.
“I think Lando is one of the fastest drivers on the grid and I think Oscar is close to that,” explained Zak Brown.
“I think Oscar has the chance to beat him and vice versa, and that’s obviously what you want, like two drivers on the same team swapping orders.”
Category: F1 / mclaren / Land Norris