F1 Chief Puts Foot Down as Lando Norris Confirms McLaren Ban from Rallying
Lando Norris, one of Formula 1’s rising stars, has revealed he is prohibited from participating in other motorsport disciplines due to restrictions enforced by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. The 25-year-old Brit, who has cemented himself as a regular podium contender and race winner, admitted that his passion for rallying won’t be fulfilled any time soon, as his team prioritizes safety and focus on F1.
Norris has emerged as one of the key challengers in recent F1 seasons, with five Grand Prix wins to his name and a strong showing in 2024 that saw him in contention for the championship. However, after five rounds in the 2025 season, the McLaren driver is currently experiencing a winless streak and finds himself trailing his teammate and new championship rival Oscar Piastri by 10 points.
In a recent media session during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris addressed rumors circulating online about a potential switch or testing opportunity in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), a series he has long admired. However, the McLaren driver firmly denied any involvement, revealing that he is not allowed to participate due to internal team policy.
“I really wanted to come in here and say, ‘Yeah, it’s true,’ but it’s not,” Norris clarified when asked about the WRC rumors. “I said a couple of years ago, I’m not allowed. Zak [Brown] doesn’t let me drive rally cars—probably for a good reason. But I’ve said many times I would love to.”
The young driver also expressed frustration with how certain narratives gain traction in the media, criticizing the spread of unverified claims. “It’s so weird how people come up with such things in the media,” he said. “That’s how terrible it is sometimes—rather than just asking me before publishing things.”
The decision from McLaren aligns with broader F1 team practices that restrict their drivers from participating in high-risk activities that could jeopardize their season. These types of clauses are fairly common in F1 contracts, aimed at preventing off-track injuries that could hinder a team’s performance.
Norris isn’t the only driver facing such restrictions. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen previously disclosed that Red Bull Racing bars him from engaging in skiing—an activity deemed too dangerous during the racing season. The ban reportedly stems from a contractual clause intended to avoid unnecessary injury risks.
That cautionary approach isn’t without precedent. At the start of the 2023 season, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll was nearly forced to miss the Bahrain Grand Prix after suffering a broken wrist from a cycling accident during the winter break. Though he made a remarkable recovery to participate in the opening round, the incident served as a stark reminder of the physical risks associated with activities away from the race track.
For Norris, the stakes in the 2025 season are particularly high. After an encouraging run in 2024, he now finds himself under increased pressure to reclaim momentum. With Oscar Piastri proving a formidable competitor within the same garage, McLaren’s internal rivalry could have serious implications for both drivers’ championship prospects. Every race—and every point—counts.
Given that context, it’s understandable why McLaren is being extra cautious with Norris. Any injury or distraction could cost the team dearly in what is shaping up to be an intensely competitive season. While Norris’ ambition to explore rallying remains alive, the McLaren camp is clearly focused on maximizing results in Formula 1.
Former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor recently weighed in on Norris’ approach to his career, suggesting the Brit might benefit from cutting back on social media to improve his focus and mental clarity. Whether Norris heeds that advice or not, the message from his team is loud and clear: Formula 1 comes first.
As the grid prepares for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can snap his winless streak and close the gap to Piastri. With team orders firmly in place and no distractions from outside motorsport, the pressure is now squarely on Norris to deliver.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, even the smallest margin can make or break a season. For Lando Norris, that means setting aside his rally dreams—for now—and putting all his energy into fighting for championship glory.
