Rising Brit Norris lands dream role as test and reserve driver for Mclaren for 2018 campaign
European Formula 3 champion Lando Norris will become Mclaren’s F1 test and reserve driver next season.
The Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award winner impressed when he had his first run in a contemporary F1 car during the mid-season test at the Hungaroring and will now get a chance to play an active role in the team with both on-track testing and in the simulator.
Norris said: “The last 12 months have been an incredible journey for me – I’ve enjoyed every single minute – and this is just an amazing way to bring the year to an end.
“I’m really looking forward to helping the team, starting next week with the tyre test at Interlagos and I will work harder than ever to learn and develop across the next year.
“I have two excellent teachers in Fernando [Alonso] and Stoffel [Vandoorne], and I will do my best to help with the team’s efforts to get back to the front.
“I’m still working hard to finalise my own racing programme for 2018 – we’re close on a number of different fronts, but not quite there yet.”
Norris says he will either be racing in F2 or Super Formula next season.
Mclaren racing director Eric Boullier added: “Lando is somebody who arrives with a very high level of ability, ambition and application. There will be plenty of opportunity to observe, learn and participate throughout 2018, and we want to make sure Lando is fully prepared, if needed, to step into Fernando or Stoffel’s shoes at a moment’s notice.”