Norris drops McLaren BOMBSHELL as exit talks…….read more
Lando Norris has revealed a surprising truth about his Formula 1 career, disclosing that he had previously received offers to leave McLaren for race-winning teams. Despite facing tough times with the Woking-based outfit, the 25-year-old decided to remain with McLaren, a decision that now seems wise, as he heads into 2025 with four career wins, 26 podium finishes, and a constructors’ championship for the team.
In the 2024 season, McLaren emerged as the closest competitor to Red Bull, and Norris played a key role in the team’s success. With Ferrari providing some competition, McLaren stood a strong chance of securing the constructors’ title by the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Despite challenges, including a crash for Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris managed to clinch his fourth victory, which helped McLaren win their first constructors’ championship since 1998.
Reflecting on his journey, Norris admitted that during the more difficult periods with McLaren, he had opportunities to join other teams with better chances of immediate success. However, he emphasized that his decision to stick with McLaren was driven by loyalty and belief in the team. “I had opportunities to not be in papaya and maybe go on and win races earlier in my career, but I believed in the team, and I wanted to do it with McLaren,” he said. He added that the pride of winning with the team that gave him his F1 break was more meaningful than taking a quicker route to success.
Norris’ decision to stay with McLaren paid off, as the team’s improved performance allowed him to finally secure his first major victories and the coveted constructors’ title. He has only ever competed for McLaren in F1, and after renewing his contract in 2024, he is set to continue with the team until at least 2026. This long-term commitment signals McLaren’s confidence in Norris as a key driver in their future plans, alongside teammate Oscar Piastri.
In the post-Abu Dhabi discussions, Norris revealed the weight of his decision and how fulfilling it was to see McLaren succeed after years of challenges. He remarked that the most rewarding part of his journey was remaining with McLaren, and that being part of their recent success felt particularly gratifying given the earlier struggles. His loyalty and perseverance have now been rewarded, with McLaren emerging as a strong competitor on the grid and Norris finally tasting the success he had long worked for.
Overall, Norris’ revelations shed light on the difficult choices faced by drivers in Formula 1, the importance of loyalty, and the satisfaction of achieving success with the team that believed in you.
