BREAKING: F1 Chief Enforces Rules as Norris Confirms McLaren BAN A…read more
Lando Norris reveals McLaren CEO Zak Brown has prohibited him from participating in rally events as the Brit focuses on reigniting his F1 title challenge.
Lando Norris has confirmed that McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has officially barred him from taking part in FIA’s World Rally Championship (WRC), putting an end to growing speculation about a potential switch or test in the discipline.
Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris dismissed rumours that he was lining up a rally drive, explaining that his McLaren bosses had already ruled out such activities over safety concerns.
“I really wanted to come in here and say, ‘Yeah, it’s true,’ but it’s not,” Norris told the press. “I said a couple of years ago, I’m not allowed. Zak doesn’t let me drive rally cars, probably for a good reason. But I’ve said many times I would love to.”
Known to be a keen fan of the WRC, Norris expressed frustration over the speculation, adding, “It’s so weird how people come up with such things in the media. That’s how terrible it is sometimes, rather than just asking me before publishing things.”
McLaren Focused on Title Fight
The ban comes amid a tightly contested start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. Norris, a five-time Grand Prix winner, has endured a four-race winless streak and now sits 10 points behind his teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri.
With McLaren mounting its most serious title challenge in years, the team is clearly focused on minimizing all off-track risks. Banning high-risk activities like rallying reflects a broader trend in Formula 1, where top drivers are increasingly restricted in what they can do outside the cockpit.
Norris Not Alone in Activity Bans
Norris joins a growing list of F1 drivers facing similar restrictions. Red Bull star Max Verstappen previously revealed his contract includes a ban on skiing, a common clause designed to reduce the risk of injury during the season.
In 2023, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll famously suffered a wrist injury from a cycling accident just before the Bahrain Grand Prix, narrowly making the season opener. Incidents like these have led teams to tighten control over drivers’ off-track activities.
With the Miami Grand Prix approaching this weekend, Norris will be aiming to close the gap to Piastri and reassert himself as McLaren’s title frontrunner. The team’s decision to keep their driver focused and protected may prove crucial as the season unfolds.
F1 Drivers’ Standings After Round 5
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 99 pts
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 89 pts
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 87 pts
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 73 pts
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 47 pts
Get Live report the Miami GP Sprint weekend on ortetesekusoccerinfo.co.uk with the main race set for Sunday
