Lando Norris stays with McLaren, but has Ferrari in his sights

In January 2024, Lando Norris signed a contract extension with McLaren, tying him to the Woking team at least until the end of the 2027 season. A strong choice, showing his confidence in his team’s ambitions. And with good reason: after winning the constructors’ championship for the first time in 26 years, McLaren has high ambitions for 2025.

However, when asked THE question about his future, the Briton does not hide that he has a very specific idea in mind. In an interview with NBC News, he stated: “I know exactly where I’d like to go, it’s the team that everyone wants to be part of at some point in their career.” While he did not mention a name, it is clear that Ferrari, the iconic team in the discipline, attracts many drivers. But no worries for McLaren, the 24-year-old driver assures he is “very happy with McLaren” and ready to fight under the colors of the “Team Papaya.”

Hamilton at Ferrari: a choice endorsed by Norris

Ferrari is undergoing a transformation. With the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025, the Scuderia is seeking renewal and dreams of a return to the top. Seeing Hamilton in red is a first since Eddie Irvine in 1999 for a full-time British driver. The seven-time world champion has said it himself: this renewal is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

A transfer that did not leave Norris indifferent: It’s an incredible story for him, he told ITV. After all he’s accomplished, I think it’s a good move. Many people said it might not be the right thing to do, but I would probably do the same if I were in his position.

For years, Red Bull and Lando Norris have been flirting, but it never materializes. Helmut Marko, advisor to the Austrian team, confirmed it last summer: “We had a contract ready for him in 2019, but McLaren blocked it.” Red Bull has continued to make eyes at the Briton. In vain. Norris reportedly refused at least once an offer to be Max Verstappen’s teammate. According to Mark Hughes, even legends like Hamilton and Alonso have been turned down by Red Bull.

A choice he justifies by explaining that beating such a dominant driver in his team is a complex challenge: « Is Max one of the greatest drivers of all time in Formula 1? Absolutely. (…) Going against today’s Max is extremely difficult. » Clearly, going up against Verstappen in HIS home might not be the best idea.

A driver who remains master of their destiny

If the future of Lando Norris in Formula 1 generates a lot of interest, the British driver remains focused on his goals with McLaren. His commitment until 2027 shows that he believes in the potential of his team and his ability to achieve his first Grand Prix victories, and even fight for the world title in the coming years.

In a sport where opportunities evolve rapidly, Norris’s choice to remain loyal to McLaren could prove beneficial, especially since the team displays strong ambitions for the upcoming seasons.