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.

"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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.