Lando Norris says extending his McLaren contract until at least the end of 2030 was “quite an easy yes for me”.
The reigning world champion’s new deal was announced on Saturday. Norris said he “didn’t even have a look” at offers from other Formula 1 teams before committing his future to McLaren, where he has raced since making his F1 debut in 2019.
“There was some interest from elsewhere,” Norris said in an interview with BBC Sport, “but I don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t want to be with another team. I don’t want to spend time with other people.”
“That’s why it really was probably one of the easiest decisions I’ve made since being in Formula 1.”
Norris chose McLaren despite outside interest
The 26-year-old was not under pressure to make an immediate decision, as his previous McLaren contract still had more than a year to run. However, he said discussions about a new agreement had gradually emerged in recent months and that he had no doubts about staying.
Norris said his loyalty to McLaren is rooted in the relationships he has developed within the team, including with chief executive officer Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella, as well as the shared journey they have experienced.
After Norris entered Formula 1 in 2019, McLaren spent several seasons struggling to compete at the front. The team’s performance improved rapidly after Stella became team principal at the end of 2022.
McLaren won consecutive constructors’ championships in 2024 and 2025, ending a title drought that had stretched back to 1998. Norris also secured the drivers’ championship last year.
“The fact I stuck it through with them and then we went on to obviously have success certainly makes me feel like I don’t want to… they didn’t give up on me and I didn’t give up on them.”
“That just creates a very strong bond between everyone that works here. I want to believe that bond stays as strong as it is now ’til I do retire in my career at Formula 1.”
“I know that’s a long, long way away and I don’t want to think of it. But I believe we’re in the best place we’ve ever been even with a tough start to the season. And I believe that we can fight through anything together for sure.”
