Lando Norris Had ‘Interest’ From Other Teams Before McLaren Extension

McLaren driver Lando Norris inked a new deal with his long-time team until 2030, a decision that was relatively easy for the current champion.

Norris has been at McLaren since his promotion in 2019. He is one of the longest-standing drivers on the grid, and he overcame his competitive demons to bring home a title in 2025 with the fastest car on the grid.

From their highs as a legitimate powerhouse on the grid to the lowest of lows as the slowest team on the grid, Norris has experienced it all with the Papaya faithful.

The British driver still has more than a year left on his deal, but over the last four months, talks of a new deal have been happening in the background.

May 3, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Now, with the monkey off his back in terms of a title and a high level of confidence, he has recommitted to the British racing team rather than looking for a new challenge.

"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."

Why Lando Norris is staying with McLaren

Norris is only 26, and he is not even in his prime yet, giving him at least another 10 years of racing if he wants it.

McLaren, meanwhile, surely looks like they will be forever loyal to Norris, after coming up through their academy, becoming a champion, and staying faithful despite interest from other teams during low periods.

"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."