It’s not difficult to understand why the team would want to lock Lando in. The 2017 European F3 winner and runner-up in the 2018 F2 championship served as reserved driver for McLaren in both years before graduating to a race seat in 2019. Having finished in 11th place in the championship, five places behind team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr., Norris started 2020 strong with a third place in Austria and only finished outside of the points in four out of 17 races. He had a stronger season in 2021, achieving four podiums, his first pole position and coming agonisingly close to winning his first race, twice. He also convincingly beat team-mate and multiple race-winner Daniel Ricciardo.
“Teams are about people, and I love the people and feel at home at McLaren,” said Norris. “I have grown up in this team and I’m part of this journey we’re all on. Last season was another great step, both in my career and the team’s performance, and I see and feel all the work, investment, and commitment for the team to be in a position to challenge for wins and titles in the future. This all gives me huge confidence looking forward, so it was a natural decision to extend our relationship for the next few years.”