After renewal announced by Ferrari with Charles Leclerc, also McLaren comes out and, through an official press release, confirms Lando Norris' contract extension. The British driver, therefore, will remain linked to the Woking team beyond 2025 (expiry date of the now old contract). McLaren, therefore, in view of this start of the season, immediately wanted to clarify its desire to continue to believe and bet on Norris who, during 2023 (with a car at his disposal), has already demonstrated all his strength and talent. The Briton still lacks the much-coveted and sought-after victory within the Circus, but it cannot be ruled out that he could soon arrive in 2024, the year in which McLaren is called to the litmus test decisive to be able to fight for the most important positions in the rankings.
McLaren, Norris' renewal arrives
To announce the renewal of Norris, via a official announcement on their social channels, it is the same team: “The McLaren Formula 1 Team announced today signing an extended multi-year contract with Lando Norris, who will continue his stay in Papaya and secure his services for the team in the long term. The British driver recently committed to a new four-year deal in February 2022 which saw him sign until the end of 2025. The latest renewal will see Lando remain with the team beyond the 2025 season, building on his strong six-year relationship with McLaren. Lando enjoyed his most successful season to date in 2023, scoring 205 points and finishing sixth in the championship".
Following the official announcement, there was no shortage of words from Norris himself: “It's a great feeling to stay in Papaya. I grew up with McLaren and I feel at home here, the team is like a family to me. The journey so far has been exciting, we've had ups and downs, but last season has shown our desire to return to competing at the top of the grid. The work that Zak, Andrea and the whole team have done over the last year has been incredible and I'm confident in the fight for victory with McLaren. I'm excited to create even more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years".
Brown's words
In addition to Norris, there are also the words of McLaren CEO Zak Brown: “I am delighted that we will continue our relationship with Lando for many years to come. It has been a fantastic journey over the last six years and he has shown fantastic commitment and desire to take the team forward and get McLaren back to the front of the grid. Last season we saw the fundamental role played by Lando with the impressive turnaround of results and I look forward to continuing this momentum along with many more podiums".
Stella: “Happy to announce the renewal: we want to continue the journey together”
Great happiness in Brown's words, as well as in those of team principal Andrea Stella: “I am delighted that we will continue our relationship with Lando for many years to come. AND It's been an amazing journey over the last six years and he has shown fantastic commitment and desire to take the team forward and get McLaren back to the front of the grid. I am delighted to confirm the extension of our partnership with Lando with a multi-year contract beyond 2025. This reflects the commitment and trust we have together, with our shared ambition to win championships again in the future".
"Lando has grown as a driver and as a person since joining McLaren in 2017. He impressed last season, playing an important role in our progress throughout the year, securing seven podiums with lots of fantastic driving. With Oscar, our exciting driver duo will play a crucial role in our aim to advance towards the first position on the grid. They have impressed in their first season together and I look forward to continuing the hard work with both of them on this exciting journey".
