McLaren reject Toro Rosso offer for Norris

Editor

McLaren have rejected an approach from Toro Rosso for Lando Norris to join them on loan for the rest of the season.

Brendon Hartley’s future in Formula 1 is in serious doubt, with the trigger-happy Dr Helmut Marko describing the New Zealander’s run of poor performances “not pleasing”.

A whole host of names, including Robert Kubica and ex-Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein, have been linked with his seat, but Norris was the latest whisper to emerge from the paddock this week.

Norris, who is currently McLaren’s reserve driver and top of the F2 standings, is widely regarded as the next big thing in motor racing, but McLaren are not letting him go anywhere just yet.

Press Association’s Phil Duncan has confirmed via Twitter that Toro Rosso wanted Norris drafted in for the Austrian Grand Prix on July 1.

And McLaren’s rejection came with the following short statement:

“We’re not surprised that other teams approach our drivers. They clearly believe they’re as talented as we do.”

Toro Rosso have refused to comment, but it appears Hartley’s days in Formula 1 are very much numbered…