Lando Norris’ recent victory in Miami marked a significant milestone in his Formula 1 career, solidifying his position within the McLaren team. While the announcement of his contract extension was made in January, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has shed light on the true timeline of events surrounding Norris’ signing.
In a revealing discussion on the F1: Beyond the Grid podcast, Brown addressed inquiries regarding the timing of Norris’ contract renewal, particularly in light of speculation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future move to Ferrari in 2025. Contrary to assumptions, Brown clarified that Norris’ deal had been sealed much earlier than anticipated.
“We’d actually signed him at the end of the year,” Brown disclosed, dispelling any notions of last-minute decisions. The delay in the announcement, according to Brown, was a strategic move to ensure a more personal and meaningful reveal alongside Norris himself.
Brown emphasized McLaren’s unwavering commitment to Norris, asserting, “we knew we wanted Lando.” Despite the official announcement coming in January, the decision to extend Norris’ contract had been made with conviction months prior.
Interestingly, Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, had his contract extension announced in September 2023, a testament to McLaren’s proactive approach in securing their drivers. Brown underscored the team’s confidence in Piastri, noting their swift decision-making based on his promising performance.
Reflecting on the process, Brown highlighted McLaren’s proactive stance, opting not to delay announcements unnecessarily. The team’s swift actions underscore their confidence in their drivers and their commitment to fostering a competitive edge in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
As the season progresses, Norris and Piastri’s continued success will undoubtedly serve as a testament to McLaren’s strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to excellence in motorsport.