Norris takes no example from Verstappen and stays with McLaren for four years
Lando Norris and McLaren jointly revealed on Thursday that the young Briton's contract has been extended through 2025. Where Max Verstappen still had clauses in his contract to leave, Norris appears not to have any.
The Verstappen Clause
In Formula 1, the car is essential to perform well. A driver can be very good, but if he is not at the right time with the right team, he can miss out on a lot of world titles. It is therefore not surprising that top drivers sign contracts with clauses that allow them to leave if performance is disappointing.
Verstappen, for example, had such a clause to leave Red Bull Racing at the end of 2019 if performance with the new Honda engine was disappointing. A smart choice by the Dutchman, as the Japanese manufacturer had not proven anything at that time. Now we know better and staying with Verstappen turned out to be the best move.
Risk for Norris
Andreas Seidl let it be known to Motorsport.com Seidl that there is no such clause in Norris' contract. Precisely to show the entire team that there is mutual trust, this clause was not included. McLaren in fact shows full confidence in the talent of the Briton, but Norris also puts his fate in the hands of McLaren.
Before the new cars for 2022 have even driven a meter, Norris is committing his future to the British team for four years. It shows a lot of confidence, but it's also a huge risk. If McLaren has misinterpreted the rules and plunges down the rankings, it could also be four long years. However, if McLaren has found the golden egg and competes at the front, then Norris is in the best spot and it is guaranteed to be his for four years.
Huge risk for both sides? Really, what contract can't be renegotiated. It is however a serious statement of intentions.
The winner here is McLaren. To be able to sign a young up and coming potential f1 champ for 4 years is a game changer. They can develop a car that suits his drive style and in the long run it could be beneficial for both parties. Hope it don't backfire on Lando.
