Norris signs multi-year McLaren extension

Lando Norris has signed a multi-year contract extension with McLaren that means he will be remaining with the Formula 1 team for at least the next three years.

The 24-year-old was one of the few F1 drivers not entering the final year of their contract this season, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the driver market McLaren was keen to tie him down beyond the end of his previous deal that expired after 2025. What has been described as “an extended multi-year contract,” the new agreement sees Norris remaining alongside Oscar Piastri through 2026 at least.

“It’s a great feeling to be staying in papaya,” Norris said. “I’ve grown up with McLaren and feel at home here -- the team are like family to me. The journey so far has been exciting; we’ve had ups and downs, but last season showed our desire to get back to competing at the front of the grid.

“The work Zak [Brown, CEO], Andrea [Stella, team principal] and the whole team have put in over the last year has been incredible and I’m confident in challenging for wins with McLaren. I’m excited to create more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years.”

Team principal Andrea Stella sees the two drivers as central to McLaren’s push to try and fight for championships in future, having finished fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2023.

“I’m pleased to confirm the extension of our partnership with Lando on a multi-year contract beyond 2025,” Stella said. “This reflects the commitment and confidence we have together, with our shared ambition to ultimately win championships again in the future.

“Lando has grown as a driver and a person since initially joining McLaren in 2017. He impressed last season, playing an important role in our progress throughout the year, securing seven podiums with many fantastic drives.

“Alongside Oscar, our exciting driver pairing will play an instrumental part in our objective to move towards the front of the grid. They have impressed in their first season together and I’m looking forward to continuing the hard work with them both on this exciting journey.”

Norris finished second on six occasions as McLaren showed improved form in the second half of last year, and although no firm length of contract was given, it’s a deal that “moves well beyond his current contract,” according to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.

“[There’s no end date announced] because it’s our business,” Brown said. “Sometimes you discuss it, sometimes you don’t. Last time when we discussed it, it was a bit more unusual I think typically, just as Ferrari has announced with Charles [Leclerc], you don’t typically give many details, so we see no reason to advertise any details of anyone’s contract.”