McLaren driver Lando Norris has replied to criticism following his decision to leave the UK and move to Monaco.
It has become commonplace for Formula 1 drivers to move to the Principality, as it is a tax haven and is close to a number of European countries which host grand prix.
Norris’ move comes two years after fellow young driver and friend Alex Albon made the switch in 2019 during his first season in the sport.
The 22-year-old admits that he initially had no interest in moving away from his UK home near the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking.
“It’s not been something I’ve been thinking of for a very long time and I was very happy being where I have been for the last two years,” said Norris.
READ: ‘It’s official’: Sainz, fans react to Lando Norris girlfriend reveal
The McLaren racer said he believes that living near Woking early on his career was extremely useful for his development, as it allowed him to facilitate close work with his team, but he now feels that this benefit has been saturated.
“But there is a point when… to look after my future for the last two years it has been better to be where I’ve been by being near McLaren, so I can access it easily and so on, but now is the point where it’s, for my future, more beneficial to move to Monaco.”
Asked about the reasons for moving to the Principality, Norris replied: “The reasons why are very obvious and I’ve said the reasons why.
“There’s probably drivers in the paddock here who get to F1 and make some decisions because they expect their career in F1 to maybe be 10 years, and it can turn into one year or two years,” Norris added.
Monaco is known for serving as a tax haven for its wealthy residents, and, coupled with its stunning sea views and beautiful weather, it is perfect for anyone well-off enough to live there.
Norris believes that this move will be financially beneficial for him in the long run.
“This can be life-changing for yourself for 20, 30, 40 years’ time. Anyone else in the world in my position, they would probably do something very similar.”
Norris scored four podiums in 2021 en route to a sixth-placed championship finish.
He also claimed his maiden pole position at the Russian Grand Prix, but was cruelly denied victory after an incorrect tyre choice in changing conditions towards the very end of the race.
Follow us on Google News to never miss an F1 story