Norris drops McLaren BOMBSHELL as ....

Norris drops McLaren BOMBSHELL as ….read more

Lando Norris has made a shocking revelation about his potential exit from McLaren, sharing that he had been approached by rival teams with offers to leave the Woking-based outfit. The British driver, who has become one of Formula 1’s brightest talents, admitted that he had opportunities to join other race-winning teams earlier in his career. However, he ultimately decided to stay loyal to McLaren, a decision that has paid off significantly as he now heads into the 2025 season with four race wins, 26 podiums, and the team’s first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998.

Norris, 25, entered the 2024 season without a Formula 1 victory to his name. Despite McLaren’s challenges in the previous seasons, he had always believed in the potential of the team. His unwavering loyalty was rewarded in 2024, when McLaren emerged as Red Bull’s strongest competitor. While Red Bull’s dominance had been evident in recent seasons, McLaren had shown steady progress, and by the end of the season, it was clear they were ready to challenge for the top positions.

During the dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi, McLaren and Ferrari were both in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez had struggled all season, meaning McLaren and Ferrari were neck-and-neck as the final race approached. Norris delivered a brilliant performance, securing his fourth career win, and although teammate Oscar Piastri faced difficulties, including a crash that saw him fighting through the field, the victory was enough to hand McLaren the title. This triumph marked a huge milestone in McLaren’s return to the front of the grid, proving that their hard work and Norris’s belief in the team had paid off.

Reflecting on this success, Norris opened up about the temptations he faced to leave McLaren for more established teams during tougher periods. He explained that, in hindsight, those opportunities could have led to wins earlier in his career, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to McLaren. The decision was not one he regretted. “The thing I’ll be proudest and most happy about is the fact I’m still here,” Norris stated. “The fact I’m still in papaya because I believed in the team for many years.”

His loyalty to McLaren, Norris believes, is what makes the team’s success even more significant. He noted that despite facing difficult seasons, he never wavered in his belief that McLaren could return to championship contention. “I had those opportunities, but I believed and I wanted to simply do it with McLaren. I wanted to do it with the guys who gave me my opportunity in Formula 1,” he added. These words underscored the strong bond he has with the team that first gave him his chance in the sport.

Norris’s admission that he had received offers from other teams reflects the high regard in which he is held across the F1 paddock. Teams recognized his talent and potential, and as one of the sport’s most talented young drivers, it’s no surprise that he would be a sought-after asset. However, Norris’s decision to stick with McLaren was driven not only by a belief in the team’s capabilities but also by a sense of loyalty and a desire to succeed with the team that helped launch his career.

The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for Norris, but it was also a testament to the hard work and perseverance of McLaren as a whole. Norris admitted that while the team’s success had not been expected in 2024, it was a dream come true to secure the Constructors’ Championship that year rather than waiting for 2025. “Next year was our kind of in-line target, on-paper target,” he explained. “The fact we’re doing it this year is an even bigger achievement.”

As McLaren continues to challenge for championships, Norris is poised to remain a key figure in their quest for further success. His decision to stay with the team during difficult times, even when the prospect of joining more established teams was on the table, has now proven to be a defining moment in his career. Looking back, Norris’s loyalty and belief in McLaren have not only earned him personal success but also helped bring the team back to the top of Formula 1. The 2025 season looks set to be another exciting chapter in his career and McLaren’s resurgence as a top contender in Formula 1.