For every Lewis Hamilton, there is a Mercedes; For every Michael Schumacher, there’s a Ferrari. What we mean by that is you can be as great of an F1 driver as you want, but to convert your world-class talent into something materialistic, let’s say, a world championship, you need a great team around you, as well. So, Lando Norris took that into full consideration while penning his new contract extension with McLaren.

Even though Mercedes and Red Bull are the teams to beat at the moment, one can’t ignore the upward trajectory that McLaren are on.

“In 2022 the rules will change, the cars will be completely new, and the next cycle will start from scratch and will last a few seasons. I am convinced that McLaren can present itself to the challenge in a better position than today, closer to Mercedes and Red Bull who I still expect very strong.

“It is very motivating as a challenge,” Norris told Gazzetta. (Quotes translated from Italian using Google)

After their turbulent tenure with Honda ended in 2018, they have emerged as a serious threat to the rest of the grid. Since Lando came to the team back then, he has seen them make gigantic steps forward.

From hiring Andreas Seidl as the team principal to Daniel Ricciardo as his co-driver, from a new wind tunnel in place at the McLaren technology center to a fresh $500 million investment, McLaren are on the rise.

Would Lando Norris be open to leaving McLaren if a team like Mercedes made the offer?

But, it’s important to be pragmatic, as well. At the end of the day, the drivers want to win and it could be hard for them to stay loyal if a top team comes calling. And if someone like a Mercedes came calling, he will be in limbo.

“I am grateful to McLaren, which allowed me to take the first test in 2017 and made me get this far, making me grow. I owe a lot to this team. It would not be an easy decision to leave.”

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Is Lando Norris a Pay Driver in F1?

Let’s hope that a situation where Mercedes steal him away doesn’t come to fruition. We are keeping our fingers crossed for McLaren to become a top team, once again.