Lando Norris surprised everyone at the end of this 2021 season when he signed a new contract with McLaren. As per his contract extension with the team, the young British driver will stay with them until the 2025 season. This is quite a commitment from the Brit towards the team who are still behind leaders: Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.

This contract extension got everyone by surprise, including former world champion Jenson Button. The 2009 world champion mentioned that he does not understand why the young Brit would sign such a long-term deal with McLaren.

Former world champion perplexed by Lando Norris’ contract extension

Button questioned why Lando make such a commitment to the Woking-based team. Since it is unclear whether McLaren will make the jump to the top of the grid soon, it is surely a gamble taken by Norris.

” I don’t know why he would sign a contract so long. It’s a surprise for me. I know continuity is great in the sport, but who knows what’s gonna happen in two or three years,” said Jenson.

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Norris is one of the most promising drivers in the F1 paddock right now. He impressed everyone with his performances and speed throughout the 2021 season as he took P6 in the drivers’ championship.

“I don’t know any drivers who would sign over 2 years in this sport. But four years isn’t it? I don’t know if the options are still in there. It’s a surprise because he’s like this in his career and gaining experience and speed. He almost won a race last year,” added Jenson.

Could Mercedes have come calling for the McLaren driver?

It is hard to know whether there was an interest from other teams at the front of the grid for the British driver. But it is difficult for Button to find a reason why Lando would sign such a big contract with McLaren.

“I don’t see the point of signing such a long-term contract because you are going to be wanted. It’s not like they’re not going to want you in two years’ time. It is a bit surprising, but he has his reasons and he is happy with where he is. So fair play to him,” concluded the former world champion.

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Norris might have been a viable option for Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton would have retired from the sport. He and Russell would have made quite a deadly pairing in F1.

But that move is still not out of the question, as he could still end up with the German team after 2025. But hopefully, he will first taste some success with McLaren up till his contract expires.