McLaren Unveil Masterplan to Lure Lando Norris to Stay as Brutal Reality Strikes Hard

Lando Norris has a tough decision to make. McLaren gave the 23-year-old his big break in Formula 1 when they signed him full-time at the start of the 2019 season. Five years in, and it’s safe to say that Norris is a star of the future. Even when the team hadn’t given him comparable machinery, the Brit has driven some amazing races to showcase his grit and talent. But in 2023, if they expect the same from him, then they’ve given him an impossible task to do. This is primarily down to the fact that McLaren has arguably made their slowest car since Norris showed up on the F1 scene.

Now, does the Brit ditch the Woking-based outfit to find a seat in a team where his obvious talents can lead to wins and championships? Or does Norris stay put on the team and put his faith completely in them? If he does decide to leave, the situation was made clear by CEO Zak Brown when he said, “Ultimately, when his contract is next up, if we are not performing and he doesn’t feel he can win races and can compete for the championship, then I think anybody, driver or team member for that matter [would consider an exit], we are all here to win.” 

McLaren running on borrowed time

Giving Brown’s comments some context is easy. McLaren is running on a timer right now. If they can fix the situation before Norris’ contract and patience runs out then they can retain their best bet at a championship. And the team, from the looks of it, are confident they can with their latest masterplan.

Team principal Andrea Stella was recently quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport, “We are going for at least two more. That’s the plan at the moment. That depends on how we develop, whether we make the top of the midfield and whether there is a chance to get closer to the top four.”

Read More: After Zak Brown’s Contentious Oscar Piastri Comments, Lando Norris Stamps His Authority on McLaren With Thunderous Statement

On the development side of things, McLaren seem to have finally gotten their bearing right. But what about the whole Norris fiasco?

Zak Brown delivers Lando Norris verdict

Brown needs to get his priorities sorted. And at this point in time, Lando Norris should be the no. 1 priority for the team. He is arguably the only driver that can lead McLaren back to their glory days. And Brown admits this. While Norris is evidently frustrated, the American feels, he’s in it for the long haul.

Brown said, “Of course, he [Norris] has days where he’s frustrated, just like any of us do when things aren’t going our way. But he’s in it for the long haul and he knows what’s coming and the people that are coming, so he’s doing a great job leading the team,” as quoted by GPFans.com.

WATCH THIS STORY: How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren

Should Lando Norris seriously consider a McLaren exit?