Lando Norris has admitted that all the rumours linking him with McLaren’s exit door are “nonsense”, with the driver being “happy” with the British team.
Following McLaren’s difficult start to the season, Norris was rumoured as a potential contender to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, when the 23-year-old’s contract expires at the end of 2025.
However, the Woking-based team have improved considerably since introducing a huge upgrades package, which has elevated McLaren up to second in the pecking order.
Norris has remarkably finished second in the last two races, with McLaren very much being on the right path.
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The British driver was recently asked about his future and the rumours linking him with a switch, something he completely dismissed.
“It’s not something I think about,” he told Channel 4.
“I see it a lot on social media and all this nonsense because a lot of people come up with some of these things that I see.
“I’m happy with the team. I could be happier if we were winning races but I also know that it takes time and a lot of effort, a lot of dedication to it but that’s what I signed up for.”
Norris recognises that his side have taken a “step forward” in recent races, with McLaren very much being podium contenders once again.
The young star is delighted to have a car which is capable of podiums again, something he consistently hasn’t had since 2021.
A lot of hard work back in Woking has resulted in the team’s sharp rise, with Norris being adamant that McLaren is the “team I want to win with”.
“It is definitely true we’ve taken a step forward which is nice to see,” Norris said. “And we wouldn’t have been in this position if we didn’t bring upgrades and make the step that we have, [but] in the back of my mind I’m still a pessimistic guy.
READ: Why Lando Norris was ‘disappointed’ with himself
“I know there’s going to be some races which we’re not going to get that good [result]. We had two good weekends but we are going to struggle in some of the coming races.
“But we’ve definitely taken a step forward which I guess I’m happiest about. We’ve given ourselves the chance to fight for good points and fight for podiums.
“There’s a lot of criticism that we get and then when we have a podium like last weekend, for me, that’s the verification that I need that I’m absolutely with the right team and the team I want to win with.”