McLaren and Norris agree to wild plan over…read more
Formula 1 might experience one of its most unconventional moments in history when the 2025 season concludes later this year. McLaren, the current dominant force in the sport, and Lando Norris, the leading driver in the championship, are at the center of a surprising new proposal that could change the face of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In a bold move, McLaren has reportedly agreed to let Norris step into the role of team principal for the final race of the season. This decision, if it materializes, would see Norris swap his racing helmet for a headset and take over the responsibilities of overseeing the team, replacing current team principal Andrea Stella for the weekend. But what could possibly motivate such an extraordinary shift?
The idea reportedly began during a casual team meeting at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking. As McLaren prepared for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, Norris joked with his crew, Stella, and McLaren CEO Zak Brown, saying he would love the chance to run the team and see what it would be like to manage operations from the pit wall. “I’d love a chance to spend a weekend overseeing the team – I reckon I’d do a decent job,” Norris reportedly quipped.
Zak Brown, known for his sense of humor and flair for bold ideas, responded playfully, “Keep talking like that, Lando, and we might just take you up on it.” What initially seemed like lighthearted banter soon began to take on a more serious tone. The discussions among Brown, Stella, and Norris evolved into an informal agreement, with a potential plan now in place.
The deal hinges on McLaren’s performance over the remaining season. Should Norris and McLaren secure both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with a race or more to spare, Norris would step into the role of team principal for the season’s finale in Abu Dhabi. In exchange, McLaren would open up a race seat for a young driver, potentially giving Arrow McLaren IndyCar star Pato O’Ward his Formula 1 debut.
Given McLaren’s impressive performances in recent races, particularly in Australia and China, the idea of clinching the titles early is not entirely out of the question. Norris has shown a strong understanding of race strategy over the years, often making insightful calls during races. Brown, always looking for ways to generate buzz around the team, seems eager to combine the team’s on-track success with a marketing-driven stunt that could create massive headlines.
The idea of a race-winning driver stepping into a management role is certainly an intriguing one. It would be a chance for Norris to experience F1 from an entirely different perspective, and potentially offer fresh insights into McLaren’s race strategies. If the plan moves forward, Norris would make history as the youngest-ever team principal in Formula 1, overseeing the final race of the season at Abu Dhabi.
At the same time, the proposal raises questions about whether this is a serious move or just a fun publicity stunt. McLaren’s decision to remain tight-lipped about the situation only adds fuel to the speculation, with the paddock eagerly awaiting confirmation. It remains unclear whether this is a true strategic play or merely a clever PR opportunity to cap off what would be a historic season for McLaren.
For now, fans and insiders alike will continue to speculate about whether Norris will indeed transition from driver to team principal for a day. Whether this remarkable scenario will unfold or remain a pipe dream is something that only time will reveal, but it’s certainly one of the most intriguing twists of the 2025
season so far.
