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via Imago

via Imago

We are still in the starting stages of the current championship season. However, two drivers have been leading the silly season headlines for weeks now. One of them is Lando Norris. Despite a valid contract until 2025, the future of the Brit has become a regular topic of discussion. The debate is mainly due to the poor state of the McLaren challenger. Many entities believe the Brit should jump ship and join a team that can complement his talents. However, Norris is given logical advice to steer safely amidst the harsh and punishing nature of Formula 1.

Norris could very easily have been driving for Red Bull as revealed in the past. In fact, the Brit could’ve joined the Austrian team again recently, according to some rumors. However, the Brit chose to stick with the team, which gave him his big break in the premier class. This is exactly what advice Norris received from Sky reporter Natalie Pinkham in the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast.

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“Lando said very early on that he is committed, loyal to McLaren. Many doubted why he signed that long-term deal as early in his career as he did because there’s no doubt he’s a sought-after driver,” Pinkham questioned Norris’s decisions and also commented on his chances of winning the championship with McLaren.” He’s brilliantly talented. He’s young, he’s committed. Yes, Shaia, I do think he can win a world championship but I don’t know where he goes to do that.”

However, she complimented Norris’s commitment and foresaw a more rewarding future. “Actually, I think there is something to be said, I’ve said it many times before, on sticking with the team, growing with the team. I think McLaren will come good. They’ve got the resources, they’ve got the talent, they’ve got the commitment. They will come good. Hopefully, for Lando’s sake, it’ll be sooner rather than later but he will start to win races,” she added.

Read More: “On Their Back Foot”: Lando Norris & McLaren Walk On Thin Ice as Dwindling F1 Performance Turns Worse

However, despite all the denial around the rumors of Norris leaving the Papaya team, there is some acceptance as well.

Lando Norris does not have blind faith in McLaren as Zak Brown aware of the unwanted scenario

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The Brit, sooner or later, will leave McLaren if the team continues to perform at this abysmal level. There will be no convincing Norris to stay, and neither will they have an explanation for the poor state two years down the line. That is the reality that CEO Zak Brown has also accepted.

via Reuters

Zak Brown said, “Ultimately when his (Lando Norris) contract is next up, if we are not performing and he doesn’t feel he can win races and can compete for the championship, then I think anybody, driver or team member for that matter [would consider an exit]. We are all here to win.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Will Lando Norris Switch Teams From the Miserable McLaren – What are his Options?

Norris might be urged to stay for now. However, one cannot expect the Brit to stay loyal if the situation at McLaren does not get better. For the team’s sake, let’s hope the new wind tunnel delivers on their expectations.