Breaking: Norris drops McLaren BOMBSHELL as exit talks…read more
Norris drops McLaren BOMBSHELL as exit talks…read more
Lando Norris has revealed a shocking detail about his career, admitting that he previously had chances to leave McLaren for other race-winning teams. The 25-year-old British driver made these comments after securing his first Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship with McLaren at the conclusion of the 2024 season, a monumental achievement that followed his long-awaited first race victories. Norris, who entered the 2024 season without a single Grand Prix win, now heads into 2025 with four victories and 26 podiums. His perseverance paid off when McLaren captured the prestigious Constructors’ title, ending a 26-year drought since their last championship in 1998.
Throughout the 2024 season, McLaren emerged as Red Bull’s fiercest competitor, with Ferrari providing strong but intermittent challenges. Heading into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, both Ferrari and McLaren had a chance to take the title, while Red Bull had already been eliminated from contention due to Sergio Perez’s poor performances. Despite the obstacles, Norris clinched his fourth victory of his career in Abu Dhabi, sealing the Constructors’ Championship for McLaren after a remarkable season. While McLaren’s driver Oscar Piastri faced difficulties during the season finale, Norris’ consistent performances and the team’s resilience led them to the title, marking a major milestone in McLaren’s comeback.
However, Norris’ success wasn’t always a certainty. In a candid revelation, he admitted that rival Formula 1 teams had shown interest in signing him during more difficult periods in his career with McLaren. At times when McLaren was struggling to compete at the top level, other teams had presented him with opportunities to join them and potentially start winning races sooner. Yet, Norris ultimately decided to remain with McLaren, expressing his belief in the team and his desire to succeed with them. Reflecting on his decision to stay loyal to McLaren, he said, “I had opportunities to not be in papaya and to maybe go on and win races at an earlier stage in my career, but I believed in the team. I wanted to do it with McLaren.”
Despite the temptations to leave McLaren for potentially quicker success with other teams, Norris was steadfast in his commitment. He stated that he was most proud of the fact that he had stayed with the team through challenging times and that they had now achieved their goals together. McLaren’s resurgence in 2024, leading them to the Constructors’ Championship, was a remarkable accomplishment that surpassed their expectations. Norris noted that while the team’s target had initially been set for the following season, achieving it in 2024 was a significant bonus and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.
The bond between Norris and McLaren has been built over many years, with McLaren providing him with the opportunity to enter Formula 1 in the first place. Norris’ success is a result of both his own talent and the continued development of the team. He highlighted the importance of this relationship, pointing out that the victory meant even more because it was achieved with the team that had supported him from the start of his Formula 1 journey.
In summary, Lando Norris’ decision to remain with McLaren, despite tempting offers from rival teams, has been vindicated with his breakthrough success in 2024. His loyalty to the team has paid off, with McLaren claiming their first Constructors’ Championship in over two decades, and Norris enjoying the rewards of his persistence and belief in the team’s potential.
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