McLaren is willing to dig deep to ensure that Lando Norris continues to drive for the traditional Formula 1 team beyond 2025. In any case, it shouldn’t fail because of the money, says McLaren CEO Zak Brown and declares the Brit to be unsaleable.
“He’s a pretty valuable driver, a great asset for the racing team,” said Brown on Sky Sports. The American said he knew that Norris was “hotly” sought after by the F1 competition. “We would therefore like to retain him sooner rather than later.”
Norris’ contract with McLaren runs until the end of 2025. Brown ruled out an early departure of the Englishman for a fee. “There is no amount we would sell it for.”
It has long been rumored in the paddock that Red Bull has put out feelers to Norris in order to have a strong second driver alongside world champion Max Verstappen from 2026 at the latest. His adjutant Sergio Perez only has a working paper with the Bulls for the season starting in March.
Brown emphasized that McLaren has the necessary financial resources to keep Norris beyond 2025. “Resources will not stop us from getting what we need, drivers included.”
Formula 1: Norris not yet a top earner
According to Forbes, Norris earned $15 million at McLaren last season: $5 million in base salary plus $10 million in bonuses. The 24-year-old came sixth in the salary ranking of F1 drivers. Dominator Verstappen leads the coal league with $70 million.
Norris is likely to push for a significantly higher salary in the upcoming negotiations with McLaren.
In 2023, the Brit raced to the podium seven times (six second places) and took sixth place in the Drivers’ World Championship. “I think he’s really enjoying his time at McLaren,” said Brown: “Our dream is to win races together and a world championship. I think Lando is all-in to achieve that with us.”
Norris has been driving for McLaren in Formula 1 since 2019, has since started in 104 Grands Prix and collected 633 World Championship points. He is still missing a GP victory and has 13 podium places (seven second places) to his credit so far.