Lando Norris has committed his future to McLaren, signing a contract that extends the length of his stay at the Woking outfit until the end of 2025.
Norris, who recently presented an award at the BRITS, signed with the British side as a rookie in 2019 alongside Carlos Sainz.
His pace was immediately discernible, with him out-qualifying the Spaniard 11 times in 21 races that year, before defeating him 9-8 in the COVID-affected 2020. He was, however, beaten in the Drivers’ Championship in both seasons.
The Briton was then partnered by Daniel Ricciardo, with the 32-year-old replacing the Ferrari-bound Sainz.
Norris impressively out-performed the eight-time race winner, out-qualifying him 15-7 while out-racing him by the same score.
His five podiums were an attestation that the 22-year-old is surely a future star in Formula 1, and he has pledged his future to McLaren, re-paying them for the opportunity they gave him in the pinnacle of motorsport while displaying his belief that McLaren can return to their hallowed glory days.
Ricciardo claimed McLaren’s first race win since 2012 at the Italian Grand Prix last year, with Norris coming home second to complete the team’s first 1-2 since 2010.
The young Briton would then come agonisingly close to his maiden race win at the Russian Grand Prix having claimed his first-ever pole position, but a strategical error under changing conditions put pay to his efforts as Sir Lewis Hamilton’s experience and acuity in wet conditions led him to victory.
However, Norris’ excellence and proficiency as a racing driver were again exemplified, and team principal Andreas Seidl is delighted to have him tied down for the next four seasons.
“The opportunity to extend our relationship with Lando reflects not only our commitment but our belief and confidence in his talent. It is also a strong sign of trust and commitment from Lando in us as a team and our journey to world championship contention,” he said.
“Lando has shown impressive growth as a Formula 1 driver over the past four years and has been an instrumental part of the team’s momentum and performance trajectory.
“We are still on our journey to fight at the front and Lando is a key element of our plan, so to lock him into place, alongside Daniel and our senior leadership, gives us stability and continuity as we build towards our ultimate shared goal of world championships.”
Norris himself is looking forward to one day competing for world championship glory.
“Teams are about people, and I love the people and feel at home at McLaren,” he stated.
“I have grown up in this team and I’m part of this journey we’re all on.
“Last season was another great step, both in my career and the team’s performance, and I see and feel all the work, investment, and commitment for the team to be in a position to challenge for wins and titles in the future.
“This all gives me huge confidence looking forward, so it was a natural decision to extend our relationship for the next few years.”
Norris will once again line up alongside Ricciardo in 2022, with the Australian’s contract expeiring at the end of next year.