18 Months Ultimatum Served to Zak Brown & Co. As Lando Norris Deals With $20 Million Problem Amid Huge Crisis

Another season and another poor start to the season might soon cause McLaren problems off the track as well. This is the belief of a Sky Sports F1 journalist who thinks the talents of Lando Norris are being wasted at the Papaya team. The team is far from its gloried past and Norris has been the saving grace so far. However, even as loyal a servant as the Brit has been so far, he might want to take his talents elsewhere. Martin Brundle, the Sky reporter, believes Norris will take this crucial step in his career despite his $20 million and 18-month-long problem.

Every time of asking, Norris pledged his loyalty to McLaren. However, that might not always be the case as the Brit will sooner or later get weary of the abysmal state of the McLaren challenger. This is exactly why Brundle suggests, as quoted by Formula Passion, the Brit will try to leave the Woking-outfit before his contract runs out in 2025.

“Lando is in a much more difficult situation than Oscar,” the British journalist told his Sky Sports F1 compatriots. “It is clear that Norris wants to be reassured. And I can tell that he will look around. He has to do it, but he’s stuck in contracts. He still has some time left and he’s young, but McLaren will have to step up for him in the next 18 months, otherwise, Lando will look around.” (Translated by Google)

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This early contract extension might cost Norris $20 million. However, that will be nothing compared to the opportunity cost of joining a top team, and that’s what Norris needs to do.

Lando Norris urged to be quick on his feet and join a top team abandoning the McLaren sinking ship

Norris needs to find a team that can support his desires and can help him showcase his talents. McLaren, currently, is clearly not on the level to help him do that. This is exactly when asked if Norris can replace his old teammate Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, Brundle answered in the affirmative.

Brundle said, “In that case, you want reassurance. But yes, Lando will look after the teams around him. He has to do that but it’s up to the contracts and the [FIA] Contract Recognition Board.”

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If it happens, it’ll be a messier breakup than what McLaren did with Daniel Ricciardo. However, Norris cannot and will not be without a racing seat if he chooses to end his contract early. Although this scenario might not come to pass if McLaren finds performance and, for the team’s sake, let’s hope they do.