Lando Norris believes McLaren have 'what it takes to challenge' Red Bull for F1 world title after signing new deal

Lando Norris believes McLaren’s strong end to the 2023 Formula One season is proof he can become the first man to win a world championship with the British team since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

Norris has signed a new “multi-year” contract that is expected to tie him to McLaren until 2027.

The Englishman finished sixth in the drivers’ championship last season after a disastrous start to the year for McLaren. But Norris came second in six of the final 13 races of the season after a mid-season car upgrade.

"There are two things which really influence my decisions. One, do I enjoy where I'm at or will I enjoy where I go to? And, two, will this team help me achieve my goal which is to become Formula 1 world champion?” Norris told Sky Sports.

"Both are now yes really and I'm more convinced than ever that that second one is especially a yes.”

Only the dominant double world champions Red Bull took more points than McLaren in the final 14 Grands Prix of the campaign as Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri also secured two podium finishes in his first season with the team.

"That trajectory we've been on last year hopefully continues and that's going to help us achieve that goal of a world championship,” added Norris.

"To go from out of the points pretty much every single race to being probably the closest team on average to the most successful car that's ever been in Formula 1, I think showed me enough, and showed everyone here at McLaren enough, that we have what it takes to challenge them.”

Norris’ previous deal already stretched to 2025, but rumours had been circulating that Red Bull could swoop to pair him alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen to replace Sergio Perez.

However, Norris did not think it was a “smart move” to join forces with Verstappen if he is to achieve his goal of beating the Dutchman to a title.

Norris said: “He's in a team that he's very comfortable in, a lot of things are built up around him, so for anyone, even a Max of a few years ago, to go in against the Max of now is extremely difficult.

"So I don't think it's a question of 'are you scared or not scared?' I don't think I'd ever be scared of going against anyone, but even if you enter a team are you in a position to challenge someone straight away and are comfortable to do that?

"I think it's a no for any driver. It takes time to adapt and it takes time to get into place and if you want to go against the best driver in the world it's not the best thing to do. It's not a smart move to do.”

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