Norris rules out racing into his 40s: “I don’t want to be here forever”

Summary

Norris ruled out competing into his 40s.
His answer applies to all racing, not just Formula 1.
He has not announced a retirement date.

Lando Norris has ruled out following Fernando Alonso’s example of racing into his 40s, explaining that he wants a life beyond the paddock. The McLaren driver discussed his long-term plans as Alonso prepares to extend his Formula 1 career into another season.

Speaking to beIN Sports Asia at Sepang ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Norris was asked whether he could imagine competing at that age.

“No chance,” he replied.

Asked whether he meant Formula 1 specifically, Norris broadened his answer.

“In racing in general. No chance,” he said.

Norris wants time for life outside racing

Norris explained that his eventual departure would allow him to relax at home, travel with friends and start a family. His answer reflected a personal choice about how he wants to spend his future, rather than a concern about remaining competitive.

“Because I don’t want to,” he explained. “I don’t want to be here forever,” Norris added.

Alonso’s renewed Aston Martin commitment will keep him on the grid during the season in which he turns 46. Norris, however, has not set an exit date: his McLaren agreement runs until at least the end of 2030.

Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.

F1 today: FAQ

What time is F1 qualifying at Sepang?

Qualifying starts on Saturday, 3 October, at 16:00 Malaysia time. That is 09:00 BST in the UK, 04:00 EDT in New York and Toronto, 01:00 PDT in Los Angeles and Vancouver, 13:30 IST in India and 18:00 AEST in Sydney.

Did Lewis Hamilton receive a grid penalty for the Bortoleto incident?

No. Hamilton received a warning after impeding Gabriel Bortoleto during FP2 at Sepang. Ferrari was fined €10,000, but Hamilton will not lose grid positions over the incident.

Why were F1 lap times at Sepang over four seconds slower than expected?

Pirelli identified low grip, dust and an abrasive surface that increased tyre sliding and degradation. Friday’s benchmark was more than four seconds slower than its qualifying simulation reference, rather than four seconds slower than the 2017 race weekend.