Seidl: Decision to extend Norris' contract was 'straighforward'

©McLaren

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl says that extending the Woking-based outfit's relationship with Lando Norris was "a very straightforward decision".

Norris will remain with McLaren in 2022 and beyond, prolonging a collaboration that started in 2017 when the 21-year-old joined the team's young driver development program.

The Briton was promoted to F1 in 2019 and scored 49 points with the team during his maiden season, a tally that increased to 97 last year.

But Norris is on track to surpass that number having scored 41 points in the first four races of 2021, including a podium finish at Imola, a string of impressive opening performances that encouraged McLaren to seal a multi-year-agreement with its driver.

Read also: McLaren seals multi-year agreement with Norris!

"Our decision to confirm Lando’s long-term future at McLaren was very straightforward," said Seidl.

"Lando has impressed us since his rookie year with his performances, and his evolution as a driver since then has been clear to see.

"He’s an integral part of our performance recovery plan and his record so far, securing two podiums with the team over the past year, has shown he’s a formidable competitor on track."

The new agreement between team and driver validates both partner's belief in each other's potential.

"Like him, we have strong ambitions for our future together and I’m pleased we’re continuing this journey for both Lando and the team," added Seidl.

"In Lando and Daniel we have a hugely talented and exciting driver line-up, and this announcement is a strong signal of commitment to the next chapter for McLaren from 2022 onwards."

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