Lando Norris is among the most discussed drivers on the grid after he extended his contract with McLaren until 2025. Norris will be competing for the Papaya team in the upcoming season in hopes of securing his first victory in the sport after three brilliant years of racing.
On one hand, Norris has confirmed his loyalty to the team that gave him a chance in the pinnacle of motorsports, but there are many people who would like to see Norris reassess his options. It is evident that the big teams would want a driver like Lando Norris to join their side as a consistent performer and possible champion in the future.
Martin Brundle urges Lando Norris to ‘keep options open’
Martin Brundle is an old maestro who has seen a generation of talent in the sport while reporting for Formula 1 and presenting it to the viewers. Like everyone else, Brundle took note of Lando Norris’s actions and his progress with the team. He praised Lando for his decision but also asked him to keep his cards ready in case next year isn’t favorable for him. Martin stressed the fact that Norris must get a win with McLaren next year, and if he is unable to find a common ground, he can check for potential teams.
“Whether you’re the team boss or whether you’re the drivers, you have to say, ‘I only have eyes for one team one driver pairing’” he wrote. “But it’s a very small business, relatively speaking and your career whizzes past, you’ve got to keep your options open.”
“Loyalty pays, especially these days in F1 teams, you can build something together but if he sees another year out without a victory, he’ll have to, and in any event, he should be making sure he’s in the best possible place to win a world championship.”
Lando Norris and Red Bull have flirted each other and even during recent months, the Austrian outfit made its presence known to the young talent. In such favorable conditions, it is important that Lando Norris realize and justify his value in the sport.
What is Lando Norris’ contract with McLaren?
Lando Norris’s contract with McLaren was ending in 2022, but without further ado, the Woking team decided to extend his contract further. A sentimental Lando Norris agreed to it and decided to continue his journey in Formula 1 with McLaren.
Lando’s new contract meant that he would stay with McLaren for four more years. Although he has expressed his desire to win for Papaya, the 2023 season was a challenging one for him considering how the MCL60 was a backmarker car at the start of the season.
They made a stunning recovery post-summer break and Norris, along with super rookie Oscar Piastri, found himself on the podium many times, emphasizing McLaren’s development. A long-term deal may turn out to be a golden apple for the Briton if McLaren returns to winning ways, but it may become a factor that drags him down if they can’t provide Norris with a good car next year.
Oscar Piastri too, has confirmed he will be driving for McLaren and it will be exciting to see what the two young talents have for us in 2024 with their improved McLaren. Do you think we may get more in-team battles between the two next season? Tell us in the comments section.
