TRENDING NEWS: Lando Norris extends his commitment to the McLaren F1 team, signing a contract that spans until 2026..

In order to support McLaren’s hopes of winning the Formula One championship and to bring the 24-year-old British driver into the next engine era of the sport starting in 2026, Lando Norris has agreed to a contract extension.

The agreement, which was made public on Friday, also ended the “silly season” rumors that Norris would join triple champion Max Verstappen’s team at Red Bull in the future.

Similar to Ferrari, which revealed Charles Leclerc’s extension on Thursday, McLaren did not disclose the terms of the agreement, but they did state that Norris and 22-year-old Australian Oscar Piastri will be paired “until at least the end of 2026”.

In February 2022, Norris had first agreed to a four-year contract that would expire at the end of 2025. Zak Brown of McLaren claims that the current contract extension is longer than the previous one.

In response to a question concerning his choice to extend the contract before to the commencement of the season, Norris told reporters, “I’m in a good position, and I have the opportunity.” I don’t want to spend the next two years worrying about it. It just seems like the proper time, particularly as we get closer to a time when contracts for other people become more erratic and there’s a chance that players may decide to transfer teams.”

“As we approach the 2026 season, with the introduction of new regulations, both I and the team prefer not to be preoccupied with contract negotiations and distractions during these crucial years,” Norris said.

Norris, who joined McLaren in 2019, highlighted that he had no trouble deciding to remain with the team. Although he hasn’t yet won a Grand Prix, his six second-place results and his third-place showing from the previous year suggest that it won’t be long.

“It’s a team with which I want to continue my journey, aiming to achieve victories and championships,” Norris said, expressing his commitment. I have a great bond with the McLaren family and have a great time working here. Being on the fastest team is great, but my main goal is on enjoying racing and having fun, which is ultimately my top priority.”

“I want to be with a team that I love and enjoy every moment with and that’s McLaren.”

Andrea Stella, the team principal, likened Norris to former greats he has collaborated with.

“He has the same potential to win a world championship. The fundamental ability, frame of mind, and work ethic are all prepared to go,” the Italian stated. Michael Schumacher was the seven-time champion’s coworker at Ferrari.

“Champions have the quality that they never stop improving. True champions, they appear to get better every year. And I believe that to be true.” Lewis Hamilton last won a championship with McLaren, the second-most successful team behind Ferrari, in 2008—the first of the record-tying seven titles won by the British driver.