Norris future at McLaren likely dependent on Alonso

©WRI2

Lando Norris says his future with McLaren twelve months from now will likely depend on Fernando Alonso's own fate with the Woking-based outfit.

The highly-rated 18-year-old steps up to a reserve role with the team this season, ready to step up to the big time in the event that either Alonso or Stoffel Vandoorne become unavailable.

Should the Spaniard decide to continue with McLaren beyond 2018, Norris is prepared to look for opportunities elsewhere.

"I guess you have to wait for what Fernando wants to do, and I think they are happy with Stoffel, and it is quite early in his career," said Norris.

"Obviously he [Vandoorne] can develop a lot and definitely improve as a driver going into 2018.

Alonso's lavishes praise on 'impressive' Norris

"So a bit of it is waiting to see what they are going to do, but I can't really say what else is going to happen -- it is a bit hard for me."

Norris' main focus in 2018 will be on his campaign in Formula 2 with Carlin, a championship he hopes to win in his first year in the series, a feat achieved by Sauber's Charles Leclerc last year.

Down the road however, Norris insists his priority is to race with McLaren.

"Obviously my aim is to be at McLaren. If I can't get a drive here, then I have to look at other opportunities.

"If they say 'We're not really going to have a drive [available] for three years or something, then it is obvious that I am going to have to go elsewhere.

"But if it is just one year, I think I'll still stick with McLaren and deal with one year out. The aim is to be with McLaren."

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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.