Norris signs new multi-year deal with McLaren

Henry Valantine
Lando Norris

Lando Norris has become an inspiration for many with his approach to mental health.

McLaren have announced Lando Norris has signed a “multi-year” contract extension with the team, confirming their line-up for 2022 in the process.

The 21-year-old Briton has had a fast start to the season in the MCL35M, scoring a podium at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and sitting P4 in the Drivers’ Championship after four races.

He also recently stated he believes he would be able to get close to matching Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen if he was in the same machinery.

Norris’ new contract means he and Daniel Ricciardo are now confirmed as McLaren’s drivers for at least the 2022 season, with the team making strides towards the front of the field again.

Zak Brown said in a McLaren statement: “I’m delighted with the extension of our agreement with Lando for 2022 and beyond. He’s been instrumental in our return to form here at McLaren and we are proud of the growth he has shown since he first started with us back in 2017.

“Lando is one of the brightest talents on the Formula 1 grid and we look forward to seeing him continue to go from strength-to-strength both on and off the track.”

Team principal Andreas Seidl confirmed retaining Norris was an easy choice for the team: “Our decision to confirm Lando’s long-term future at McLaren was very straightforward.

“Lando has impressed us since his rookie year with his performances, and his evolution as a driver since then has been clear to see. He’s an integral part of our performance recovery plan and his record so far, securing two podiums with the team over the past year, has shown he’s a formidable competitor on track.

“Like him, we have strong ambitions for our future together and I’m pleased we are continuing this journey into the next chapter for both Lando and the team. In Lando and Daniel we have a hugely talented and exciting driver line-up, and this announcement is a strong signal of commitment to the next chapter for McLaren from 2022 onwards.”

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“I’m really pleased to have extended my relationship with McLaren from 2022,” Norris added. “Having been with the team for almost five years, I feel very much part of the family here and I couldn’t imagine starting the next phase of my career anywhere else. McLaren have been a huge support since my days in junior series and I’ve really enjoyed learning and developing as a driver since.

“My commitment to McLaren is clear – my goal is to win races and become Formula 1 World Champion and I want to do that with this team. Since joining in 2017, our progression has been consistent and we have clear ambitions together for the future.

“I want to say thank you to Zak and Andreas for the belief they have shown in me since the beginning, and to the whole team for giving me such a strong environment to continue my career in.

“We’ve already had some incredible moments together which I’ll never forget – two podiums and securing P3 in the [Constructors’] championship – and together with Daniel and the rest of the team I’m looking forward to pushing for even more success in the years to come.”

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