British teenage star Norris lands F1 reserve driver spot at Mclaren
Lando Norris will become Mclaren’s official Formula 1 test and reserve driver for the 2018 season, the team has confirmed.
The British teen sensation, who turns 18 next week, emulated Lewis Hamilton by winning the European Formula Three championship last month.
And the Somerset driver – snapped up to Mclaren’s young driver academy in February following a string of impressive performances in the junior categories – has now been rewarded with a role on their race team.
Norris will replace Jenson Button as Mclaren’s third driver and will be the first point of call to deputise for Fernando Alonso or Stoffel Vandoorne.
Norris, pictured, will also make the step up to Formula 2, F1’s feeder series, in 2018 where he will dovetail his new Mclaren commitments.
“Lando is an outstanding young talent,” said Mclaren Technology Group executive director Zak Brown.
“Today’s announcement is thoroughly deserved and underlines the incredible high regard in which we hold his abilities. “By winning last year in Formula Renault, triumphing in the Mclaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, and then showing the speed and consistency needed to win the European F3 championship, he is undoubtedly carving himself a reputation as one of the very best up-andcoming single-seater drivers in the world. “His summer test for Mclaren was also remarkably impressive and was further proof that he is ready to step up and take on a role of this size, scope and responsibility. At Mclaren, we are all extremely keen to help him achieve his goal of racing in Formula 1.”
Despite his tender years and limited experience, Norris has already been earmarked as a grand prix star of the future and he says he is looking forward to the opportunity to take the next step towards that goal.
“I’m so excited to be joining Mclaren as test and reserve driver for 2018,” he 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.”