Just in:F1 chief lays down the law as Norris McLaren ban due to….read more
F1 chief lays down the law as Norris McLaren ban due to….read more
McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown has reportedly put a firm restriction on Formula 1 star Lando Norris, preventing him from participating in other FIA motorsport events—specifically the World Rally Championship (WRC), despite Norris’s interest in the sport.
The British driver, a five-time Grand Prix winner, has become one of the top competitors on the F1 grid and was a strong contender for the world championship last season. However, his campaign was ultimately overshadowed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, whose dominant late-season performances shut down Norris’s title hopes. The 2025 season has not started in Norris’s favor either. After five rounds, he remains winless and trails his McLaren teammate and rising rival Oscar Piastri by 10 points, despite some strong showings.
Norris has previously expressed his admiration for rally driving, particularly the FIA World Rally Championship. However, during a media session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he confirmed that McLaren has blocked him from testing or competing in rally cars. “I really wanted to come in here and say, ‘Yeah, it’s true’, but it’s not,” Norris explained when asked about rumors of a WRC test. “I said a couple of years ago, I’m not allowed. Zak [Brown] doesn’t let me drive rally cars, probably for a good reason, but I’ve said many times I would love to.”
He also criticized the media for fueling baseless 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.”
This kind of restriction is not uncommon in Formula 1, where teams impose strict limits on what drivers can do outside of racing to minimize the risk of injury. F1 contracts often include clauses preventing participation in high-risk sports or activities. Norris’s situation is similar to that of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who revealed in 2024 that his contract prohibited him from skiing. The rule is likely in place to ensure that top drivers remain healthy and available during the season.
The issue of off-track injuries has become a more prominent concern in recent seasons. In early 2023, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll suffered a broken wrist after falling off his bike during the winter break, nearly missing the season opener in Bahrain. Such incidents have encouraged teams to tighten their control over driver activities during the off-season and between races.
With a critical portion of the 2025 F1 season ahead, Norris can’t afford any setbacks. Currently behind his teammate in the standings, he’ll need to bounce back quickly, starting with the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. As the pressure mounts in the championship race, it’s clear that McLaren is doing everything it can to keep its drivers focused and injury-free—rally dreams included.
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