There are three things that are important to Lando Norris at his team, and because they were right at McLaren, the extension was an easy decision
For Lando Norris, the family environment and working relationship at McLaren was an important reason for his contract extension. The Briton made a long-term commitment to McLaren on Friday, despite being courted by other top teams such as Red Bull, but he had said that no other team was convincing enough to persuade him to make the switch.
Because Norris knows what he has in McLaren. The 24-year-old has been a member of the McLaren squad for many years and made the leap into Formula 1 with the team in 2019. And he would like to continue this story with the team.
“The atmosphere, the mentality and the camaraderie have built up a lot over the past few years. And I like being part of it,” says the Englishman.
“I want to be part of the story of having turned things around: From the start of my career, where I had problems and it was up and down, but stayed loyal to the team,” says Norris. He has now spent five years in Formula 1 with the team from Woking.
Although he could probably have found a faster car at Red Bull, fun was also an important factor in his decision: “As much as I want to be the fastest in a team, I’m also here because I love racing and because I like to have fun,” he emphasizes. “That’s my top priority: I do what I love. “
“And I want to be with a team that I love and that I enjoy every moment with. And that is McLaren.”
For him, things fit together best at McLaren: The racing team has improved a lot in the 2023 Formula 1 season, he is having fun, and he sees a “new level” of motivation when he walks through the factory. “That convinces me,” he explains.
“The work ethic and the people have to convince me, as do the results, of course. But the people we have, and the family atmosphere, and everyone stepping on the gas, is the next convincing thing I need,” says Norris.
“Those three things have to come together for me, and that I want to be part of the family and have fun. That’s why it was an easy decision. “