Zak Brown, McLaren Formula 1 team boss, believes that Lando Norris long term future lies with the team. He feels “confident” about it despite a continuous interest for the British driver from Red Bull.
Earlier contract between McLaren and Norris expire at the end of 2025. The British driver has completed all contracts and now signs an agreement to extend his stay at the team.
The uncertainty over Sergio Perez position at Red Bull remains, because of poor performance against his team mate Max Verstapen. Norris has courted RB interest over the years especially in 2018.
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Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, confirmed: “We’ve spoken to Lando a couple of times over the years”.
It is believed that the same interest has remain consistent over the year. Additionally, the driver is known to get along quite well with Verstappen.
Brown on Red Bull interest
McLaren is also aware of the situation but it opted to focus on its strengths rather than weaknesses.
Brown said: “I have a belief, that whether its employees, drivers, sponsors – that’s our job to take care of them and for them to want to be at McLaren.
“So, I tend to focus on making sure that McLaren is the best place environment and people want to be with us.
“Because you ultimately can’t control external approaches to those various people.
“So, no, I’m very confident the relationship that we have with Lando [remains strong].”
Brown added: “I know he’s very excited for this year and was very impressed with what he saw in the second half of last year.
“He loves working with Andrea and everyone on the team. So, all we need to keep doing is giving him the environment he wants to be in.
“And then I’m confident he’ll stick around, as opposed to trying to kind of sell against the competition. That’s never been my way.”
Norris remains confident at McLaren
Norris also believes his future remains with McLaren. He signed an early deal with the team to show his faith in team. He believes it will provide everyone at team a great confidence and kills the rumors.
“I think from my side, to give everyone here at McLaren just that bit more confidence within me, it shows my confidence in the whole team. I think that’s really the most important thing.
“It’s the thing I’m happiest about with getting the contract out.”
