McLaren have confirmed their full line-up for 2019 as Lando Norris has signed alongside Carlos Sainz.
McLaren have confirmed that their reserve driver for 2018, Lando Norris, has been signed as a race driver for 2019.
The Formula 2 racer, fighting for this year’s title, will replace the outgoing Stoffel Vandoorne and joins Carlos Sainz, who was signed from Renault a few weeks ago. Norris has signed a ‘multi-year’ agreement with McLaren.
The 18 year old, from Somerset in the UK, appears to be part of a long term restructuring of the team that has seen changes in upper management, power unit supplier and now both drivers as Fernando Alonso departs at the end of this season too.
“To be announced as a race driver for McLaren is a dream come true.” beamed Norris. “Although I’ve been part of the team for a while now, this is a special moment, one I could only hope would become reality.
“I’d like to thank the whole team for this amazing opportunity and for believing in me. I’m also extremely grateful for the commitment McLaren has already shown in my development, allowing me to build my experience in a Formula 1 car in both testing and on Fridays during the past two race weekends.
“For the remainder of 2018, my focus remains firmly on the Formula 2 championship. My objective is to win the title before joining McLaren full-time, which will be tough, but I will fight as hard as I can for the remaining four races. I’ll also be working closely with McLaren at every opportunity to learn as much as possible from the drivers, engineers and mechanics to give myself the best preparation ahead of next year.”
Breaking story…more to follow.
