Breaking: F1 chief lays down the law as Norris McLaren ban C…read more
Lando Norris, one of Formula 1’s standout talents, has disclosed that he’s not permitted to take part in other motorsport disciplines due to restrictions set by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. The 25-year-old British driver, now a consistent podium finisher and race winner, admitted his long-standing interest in rallying is on hold as his team enforces a strict focus on Formula 1 and driver safety.
Norris has risen to prominence in recent F1 seasons, earning five Grand Prix victories and finishing strongly in 2024 as a title contender. However, five rounds into the 2025 season, Norris is winless and trails his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 10 points in the championship standings.
During a media session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris addressed speculation linking him to a possible move or test in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). He shut down the rumors, clarifying he is not allowed to drive rally cars due to McLaren’s internal policy. “I wish I could say it’s true, but it’s not,” Norris said. “I’ve said before—I’m not allowed. Zak doesn’t let me drive rally cars, probably for a good reason. But I’d love to.”
He also criticized how misinformation spreads in the media, calling out those who circulate false narratives without verifying facts. “It’s crazy how these stories start,” he said. “Rather than asking me directly, people just run with it.”
McLaren’s cautious stance is in line with broader practices in Formula 1, where teams typically bar drivers from engaging in high-risk activities that could threaten their fitness or availability. Contractual clauses often include bans on dangerous sports or off-track motorsport participation. Norris isn’t alone in facing such restrictions—Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen previously revealed he’s not allowed to ski during the season due to similar concerns.
These precautions aren’t unfounded. In early 2023, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll nearly missed the Bahrain Grand Prix after injuring his wrist in a cycling crash. Although he recovered in time, the incident served as a reminder of how non-racing injuries can impact an F1 campaign.
With Norris now locked in a tight battle against Piastri, McLaren is taking no chances. The internal rivalry could shape the outcome of the championship, and every point matters. Former Ferrari manager Peter Windsor recently suggested Norris might benefit from reducing his social media activity to sharpen his focus.
As the F1 circus heads to Miami, Norris is under pressure to end his winless streak and regain momentum. With rallying off the table and McLaren’s full backing behind him, Norris must now channel his ambitions entirely into his Formula 1 title pursuit.
