Norris set to replace Button as McLaren's reserve driver

©McLaren

McLaren hopeful Lando Norris could inherit the status of third driver with the Woking-based outfit next season, says racing director Eric Boullier.

Jenson Button spent a year on call for McLaren, replacing Fernando Alonso at Monaco, but the British driver is now keen on securing a full-time racing program somewhere in 2018.

The 17-year-old Norris, who currently leads the European Formula 3 title fight, tested for McLaren at the post-race in-season test in Hungary in August, and acquitted himself quite well.

"I think Jenson is looking for a full-time racing seat, and obviously we don't have any," Boullier said at Suzuka.

Verstappen mighty impressed with 'future star' Lando Norris

"But he is an ambassador and we would be happy to keep working with him in a role that suits both parties. But as far as racing is concerned we have nothing to offer to him.

"If Jenson has no role here then of course we need a new [reserve] driver. We have to prepare.

"Lando could be one of them. If he wins Formula 3, which is very likely, then he will have enough points to get a superlicence."

Lando's 72-point lead in F3 puts him in a comfortable position to wrap up the championship next weekend at Hockenheim.

His success should logically lead him to a seat with a front-running team in Formula 2 next season.

While he's a strong believer in Norris' talent, McLaren boss Zak Brown advocates patience however.

"Our current plan is to put him in Formula 2 [next year]," said Brown.

"I certainly think he's fast enough to be in Formula 1 but we don't want to rush things.

"He's definitely our star of the future and we won't put him in another Formula 1 team at this point."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.