After McLaren and Mercedes announced their partnership, it seems that the latter will be even more involved. As it turns out, Lando Norris is set to be managed by Mercedes in the near future.
Ahead of the Russian Grand Prix, McLaren announced a three-year deal set to commence from 2021 onwards. According to Italy’s Auto Moto, a deal was struck by Horatio Investments for the German manufacturer to partner McLaren.
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Incidentally, Horatio Investments is headed by Adam Norris, Lando’s millionaire father. As it turns out, Norris Sr. “invests strategically in areas of personal interest, such as Formula 1, equine sports and commercial property.”
Auto Moto further said that Lando Norris switched to the Mercedes driver management arm. This department is reportedly led by Mercedes AMG F1 team boss Toto Wolff.
In addition to Norris, 2020 Renault driver Esteban Ocon is also managed by Mercedes. However, Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul confirmed that Mercedes have “absolutely no rights” to Ocon while he is contracted with Renault.
“The small difference is that his management company happens to be a racing team, and that’s Mercedes,” he said.
With Lando Norris joining the club, Mercedes are fairly spoilt for choice in terms of their options for the future.
Both McLaren drivers have been quite impressive and have been helping McLaren slowly and steadily claw its way back to the front. Thanks to the efforts of the two, the Woking team are closing in on a P4 finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
Even more impressive is that Lando Norris, in his first Formula 1 season, currently sits P9 in the standings with 35 points. His best finishes so far came in Bahrain and Austria, where he finished P6.
Meanwhile, teammate Carlos Sainz has sneaked into the top 5 unnoticed on many an occasion. Needless to say, they are giving the factory Renault team a lot to worry about.
UPDATE: However, it has now transpired that both, Mercedes and McLaren have denied reports about the management of Lando Norris. Spokespersons from both Mercedes and McLaren dubbed the report “entirely without foundation” and “entirely false”.
