Lando Norris Confirms McLaren Has Blocked Him from Rallying Amid Int…read more
Lando Norris has officially revealed that McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has put a stop to any hopes he had of competing in rally events, particularly the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The British driver, who has previously expressed admiration for the discipline, said the decision was made to avoid unnecessary risks as McLaren chases its most serious Formula 1 championship challenge in years.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris addressed growing rumours suggesting he was preparing to make a crossover into rallying. He quickly dismissed the speculation, clarifying that his team had already banned such activities due to safety concerns.
“I really wanted to come in here and say, ‘Yeah, it’s true,’ but it’s not,” Norris joked during a press conference. “I said a couple of years ago, I’m not allowed. Zak doesn’t let me drive rally cars—probably for a good reason. But I’ve said many times that I would love to.”
Despite his passion for rallying, Norris made it clear that the priority is now on Formula 1, especially as McLaren finds itself in the middle of a competitive title race. The Woking-based team is determined to keep its drivers focused and physically fit for the rigours of the F1 season, which leaves little room for high-risk hobbies. The 24-year-old added that he found it frustrating how quickly rumours could spread without any direct confirmation.
“It’s so weird how people come up with such things in the media,” Norris said. “That’s how terrible it is sometimes—rather than just asking me before publishing things.”
McLaren’s Strategic Move in the Championship Battle
The timing of this restriction makes strategic sense. With five rounds of the 2025 F1 season completed, McLaren is emerging as a legitimate championship contender. Norris, who has five career Grand Prix victories to his name, currently sits second in the standings with 89 points—just 10 behind his teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri, who leads with 99 points.
After enduring a four-race winless streak, Norris is eager to bounce back and reclaim momentum. The team is leaving nothing to chance as it pushes to dethrone Red Bull and maximize every opportunity. Banning off-track, high-risk activities like rallying reflects a broader trend in F1, where drivers are often contractually restricted from doing anything that could jeopardize their fitness.
A Common Trend Among Top Drivers
Norris isn’t the only driver facing these kinds of restrictions. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, previously disclosed that his contract includes a ban on skiing—an activity he enjoys but one that is considered too dangerous by team management. Similarly, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll sustained a wrist injury from a cycling accident just before the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, putting his participation at risk for the season opener.
Such incidents have led F1 teams to enforce stricter controls on their drivers’ extracurricular activities. With millions invested in driver performance and health, teams are becoming increasingly cautious. These bans are designed to ensure their drivers remain in peak condition, both physically and mentally, for what is an extremely demanding sport.
Looking Ahead to the Miami Grand Prix
As Formula 1 heads to Miami for Round 6 of the season, all eyes will be on whether Norris can close the gap to his teammate and reassert his status as McLaren’s top title contender. The Miami Grand Prix promises high drama with a sprint race weekend format, giving drivers extra chances to score vital points.
Here are the current top standings after Round 5:
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 99 points
Lando Norris (McLaren) – 89 points
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 87 point
George Russell (Mercedes) – 73 point
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 47 points
With the championship battle heating up and McLaren firmly in the mix, the team’s decision to protect its drivers from avoidable risks might just be the edge it needs to go all the way this season.
