Mercedes and Red Bull seek drivers: Does Norris regret his new contract?
F1 News
![Mercedes and Red Bull seek drivers. Does Norris regret contract?](https://webp.gp.cdn.pxr.nl/news/2024/02/23/fd8f83b95b9d9da6d93cc88c4a069cf349464b4d.jpg?width=1800)
Lando Norris had long been the most coveted free agent on the F1 grid, but after his contract extension at McLaren, interested teams could put away all hopes of the Briton's signature. Since Norris put his signature on a new commitment with the Woking-based team, Lewis Hamilton's seat at Mercedes became vacant and there is still uncertainty over who will be Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull.
But any regrets about his early decision to stay at McLaren? Norris, when asked, says there is no question about that. "No, no, I'm very happy. I could have waited. I had the choice. So I knew opportunities were potentially coming my way. I knew what opportunities I had at the time. I knew what could have happened, or what is happening over the next couple of years anyway. So no regrets from any side."
Norris believes McLaren can become top team
Indeed, Norris says he has a lot of confidence in his team. "I'm confident in what we can achieve going into the future. And I'm very happy with where I am. Of course, I could be happier if we're achieving more of the goals that I think we all want to achieve. But the main point is I'm enjoying my time with the guys that I'm with. And for me, that's something."
That's because - as Norris points out -, he is part of the McLaren family. "That's always a big part of my life, is that I want to enjoy where I am. And I am [enjoying my time at McLaren]. And I think that's an important part of trying to improve as a team at the same time. And knowing everyone and pushing everyone. And I think everyone is capable of getting to the goal of being the top team in Formula 1. So I'm very happy."