Speculation blown to smithereens, Norris signs new contract at McLaren! I feel at home here, says British driver

Lando Norris stays at McLaren! The Woking-based team made the official announcement on Friday afternoon, keeping both drivers under contract until at least 2026.

McLaren on Friday afternoon quashed all the speculation that had been gradually emerging during the 2023 season. Lando Norris has signed a new multi-year contract at the team where he began his F1 career.

According to official information, it is not specified for how long at McLaren the Briton has signed. It is only said to be a “multi-year contract”. The Woking team’s news comes just hours after Ferrari confirmed a new contract for Charles Leclerc.

Norris’ contract was originally due to expire at the end of 2025. The last time Norris signed at McLaren was in February 2022, before the start of the season that year. However, after a solid season, and with a very bright future, both parties agreed to another extension.

McLaren is thus assured of having a driver line-up until 2026. Indeed, Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri signed a new contract in September 2023.

“It’s a great feeling to be here. I’ve grown up with McLaren and it feels like home, the team is like a family to me,” said Norris, who was quoted by the official F1 website.

Norris at McLaren…

Norris joined McLaren in 2017 and has been a steady member of the team ever since. Last season, which was like night and day for McLaren, the British driver recorded six second places and seven podium finishes overall.

With a total of 205 points, he finished the 2023 season in sixth place in the drivers’ championship, just one point short of Monaco’s Leclerc or Fernando Alonso. And going into the new season, McLaren’s prospects are even more exciting.

Information from the paddock suggests that McLaren could be back in contention for race wins. And that’s thanks to significant investment in infrastructure. The famous Formula One team has a new wind tunnel and a new generation simulator. Not to mention the arrival of new staff and a healthy, stable environment.

Source: F1, McLaren F1 Team, X