For years, Lando Norris has been the face of McLaren’s Formula 1 resurgence—a team once lost in mediocrity, now reborn as a title-winning force. But with F1’s ever-evolving landscape, how long will this loyalty last?
At 25, Norris has already been through the highs and lows of a team rebuilding its way to the top. He turned down Red Bull, stayed committed through struggles, and now stands as a genuine title contender. But history shows that even the strongest partnerships in F1 have an expiration date—just ask Lewis Hamilton, who shocked the world by leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.
So, is Norris all in with McLaren for the long haul, or will there come a day when he too seeks a fresh challenge?
The Long Road to the Top
Norris’ F1 journey began in 2019, when McLaren was still clawing its way out of the dark days of its Honda disaster. He joined as an exciting rookie, partnering Carlos Sainz, and quickly proved his worth.
By 2021, Sainz had left for Ferrari, and Norris became the team’s golden boy. He dominated McLaren’s internal battle, solidifying himself as the undisputed leader of the team. The offers from top teams started rolling in, but he stayed put—believing in McLaren’s long-term vision.
At the time, critics questioned his loyalty over ambition. But now? McLaren’s 2024 Constructors’ Championship speaks for itself—and Norris’ decision looks like a stroke of genius.
Turning Down Red Bull—A Risk That Paid Off?
When Red Bull came calling, the prospect of teaming up with Max Verstappen was as tempting as it was daunting. Many believed Norris should have taken the leap, but he chose to remain the star at McLaren rather than risk playing second fiddle to Verstappen.
It was a gamble. But with McLaren now back on top, Norris’ decision to stay is no longer up for debate. He’s not just a driver—he’s the cornerstone of McLaren’s success.
But in F1, success is never permanent.
What Happens if McLaren Slips?
Right now, Norris and McLaren seem like a perfect match. There’s mutual trust, emotional investment, and a team built around him. But F1 is a brutal sport, where today’s frontrunner can quickly become tomorrow’s underdog.
If McLaren’s dominance fades in the coming years, Norris could find himself at a crossroads. He loves Woking, but he loves winning even more.
Look no further than Lewis Hamilton, who spent over a decade at Mercedes, rewriting the record books—before deciding that Ferrari offered a better shot at future success. Could Norris face the same choice? If McLaren can’t deliver titles consistently, will he follow Hamilton’s path and jump ship?
A Love Story… For Now
Right now, McLaren is home, and Norris is thriving. But Formula 1 is a game of ruthless ambition. If the day comes when Norris feels he can no longer fight for titles, don’t be surprised if he makes the toughest decision of his career.
For now, though, McLaren and Norris are on top of the world—and the rest of the grid is playing catch-up.
The question is: How long will the fairytale last?