News summary
- Lando Norris revealed he had other opportunities before extending his McLaren contract through at least 2030, including the possibility of taking a different path in F1.
- The reigning world champion said he would rather endure “one or two tougher years” than leave McLaren simply in search of immediate success.
- Norris also left the door open to experiencing life at another team, including Ferrari or Mercedes, but joked that he should be asked about it again “at the end of 2030.”
Lando Norris has revealed that he had other opportunities before signing a new contract with McLaren through at least 2030, but ultimately decided to remain with the team he joined ahead of his Formula 1 debut in 2019. The reigning world champion explained that his decision was not based solely on the possibility of winning immediately, but also on his happiness and the relationship he has built with the people at the Woking-based outfit.
In a preview of an interview with Sky Sports F1, Norris confirmed that rival teams had been an option during the period before he committed his future to McLaren. The Briton, however, emphasized that he has always felt comfortable with the team, including during the years when McLaren was not yet capable of fighting consistently for victories and championships.
“There was opportunity of course. But opportunity that is positive. There’s opportunities to gamble at times,” Norris said.
“I’m a driver that personally I would take one or two tougher years over instant success – as I did a few years ago with McLaren.
“As much as I want to win every single year, not everything is about I need to be with a team tomorrow that’s going to win the next race and do this and do that.”
Norris joined McLaren’s junior program in 2017 and made his F1 race debut with the team two years later. After winning his first world championship with McLaren in 2025, he extended his commitment to the team through at least the end of the 2030 season. McLaren officially confirmed the new agreement on August 29.
The Briton said that personal satisfaction was a major factor in his decision to stay. For Norris, a Formula 1 career cannot be judged solely by the competitiveness of the car, with the working environment and relationships within a team also carrying significant weight.
“A good amount of it is also am I just happy? I was happy to be with McLaren even when we weren’t winning because I’m still in an amazing opportunity and I still get to do the job I love and travel and do all these things,” he explained.
“So not everything to me is about ultimate performance. A lot of it and a big part of it is the people that I’m with.”
Norris also stressed the importance of feeling at home within McLaren. The driver believes that a strong connection with the team can be almost as important as having the fastest car on the grid.
“Just the fact I feel I’m at home and I’m enjoying it. And that almost has enough control as saying ‘I need to be with a team that is going to be performing and winning championships’,” Norris added.
The long-term commitment means Norris could spend the vast majority of his F1 career with a single team. McLaren’s official announcement confirmed that the new agreement keeps him at the team until at least 2030, with a multi-year option beyond that date.
Norris’ future with McLaren does not completely rule out a move elsewhere later in his career, however. Asked whether he would like to experience racing for another major F1 team such as Ferrari or Mercedes, the Briton said it was not something he wanted to consider at the moment.
“It depends a little bit on what you want to achieve in your career. Do you want ultimate success every single year? Do you want to just experience what it’s like to go to a different team and experience Ferrari or Mercedes?” Norris said.
“For now, I’ll say I’m not thinking of it. But ask me again at the end of 2030.”
The reference to Lewis Hamilton was particularly relevant. Hamilton spent 12 seasons with Mercedes after leaving McLaren at the end of 2012 before eventually moving to Ferrari, demonstrating how a driver’s priorities can change over a long F1 career.
For now, though, Norris remains committed to McLaren. The 26-year-old arrives at Monza having won the last two Grands Prix, in Hungary and the Netherlands, and will aim to complete a hat-trick of victories at the Italian Grand Prix. McLaren’s own schedule confirms that the 13th round of the 2026 season takes place at Monza from September 4-6.
The GRANDE PRÊMIO follows all the action from the Italian Grand Prix and the 2026 Formula 1 season.
FAQ
Why did Lando Norris choose to remain with McLaren?
Norris said that happiness, the people around him and his feeling of being at home at McLaren were major factors in his decision. He stressed that he does not view immediate performance as the only criterion when deciding his future.
Did Lando Norris have offers from rival F1 teams?
Norris confirmed that there were other opportunities before he signed his new McLaren agreement, although he did not identify the rival teams involved. He described them as positive opportunities but said he preferred the path he had built with McLaren.
Could Norris race for Ferrari or Mercedes in the future?
The Briton did not rule it out. However, he said he is not thinking about leaving McLaren now and joked that he should be asked about the possibility again at the end of 2030.
