Lando Norris, the talented young driver for McLaren, has been making waves in recent races with impressive back-to-back second-place finishes at the British and Hungarian Grand Prix. The team’s significant improvement in performance has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked discussions about Norris’ long-term future in the sport. As McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, contemplates the uncertainties surrounding Norris’ contract, he remains optimistic that the team’s recent upturn in form will convince the driver to stay.
Norris’ recent success has been a result of his exceptional driving skills combined with the team’s upgraded car. The upgrades introduced by McLaren have dramatically transformed their performance, allowing Norris to secure podium positions in the last two races. Prior to these outstanding performances, McLaren had a disappointing start to the season, with Norris finishing above ninth place only once in the first eight races. This led to speculations about Norris potentially seeking an early exit from his contract, which currently extends until the end of 2025.
Zak Brown Spoke to Sky Sports after the Hungarian Grand Prix, emphasising that the key to retaining Norris lies in providing him with a competitive race car. As long as McLaren continues to offer Norris a car that allows him to showcase his skills on the track, Brown believes that Norris will be motivated to stay with the team. The positive environment at McLaren, combined with Norris’ fondness for the team and their shared journey, further contributes to the likelihood of him extending his contract.
“I think the way you keep him is you give him a good race car.
“And as long as we can give him a good race car, he loves the environment, he loves the team, he’s been on this journey
Embed from Getty ImagesThe journey to McLaren’s recent successes has not been without its challenges. Brown acknowledged that there was some frustration within the team at the start of the year due to their lacklustre performance. However, the tide turned with Norris’ consecutive second-place finishes, highlighting the team’s progress. His qualifying performances have also been commendable, securing the fifth, second, and third positions in recent races.
With the Belgian Grand Prix approaching at Spa-Francorchamps, all eyes will be on Norris and McLaren to see if they can maintain their impressive form. The team’s performance at this iconic circuit will undoubtedly influence Norris’ decision-making process regarding his future in Formula 1.
As the speculation around Norris’ contract continues, it is evident that McLaren is determined to keep their star driver. The team’s ambition to provide him with a competitive race car speaks volumes about their commitment to retaining top talent. For Norris, staying with McLaren could be a promising prospect, especially if the team continues to demonstrate their dedication to improvement and success.
The upcoming races will be crucial in shaping Norris’ decision, and fans eagerly await the outcome. As the F1 season unfolds, the sport will witness the unfolding chapters of this compelling narrative. Will Norris continue to shine in the competitive world of Formula 1, and will McLaren’s determination to keep him on board be rewarded? Only time will tell. Until then, F1 enthusiasts can relish the exhilarating action on the track and the thrilling uncertainty surrounding the future of one of the sport’s brightest stars.