2017 European Formula 3 champion Lando Norris will replace Jenson Button as McLaren third driver from the 2018 season, the team confirmed on Monday.
The 17-year-old had been tipped for the role with the 2009 F1 champion stepping away from the sport completely, potentially competing a full season either in Japan’s Super GT or a sportscar series in America next season.
Norris has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks winning in British F4, Formula Renault and this year in European F3, the same series that has launched the likes of Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon and Max Verstappen to seats in F1.
Earlier this year, the Briton made his first appearance for McLaren, driving at the post-Grand Prix test in Hungary in August and commenting on his promotion admits this news is the icing on the cake after a remarkable 12 months.
“I’m so excited to be joining McLaren as test and reserve driver for 2018,” he said. “The last 12 months have been an incredible journey for me – I’ve enjoyed every single minute – and this is just an amazing way to bring the year to an end.
“I’m really looking forward to helping the team, starting next week with the tyre test at Interlagos, and I will work harder than ever to learn and develop across the next year. I have two excellent teachers in Fernando and Stoffel, and I will do my best to help with the team’s efforts to get back to the front.”
It is likely his reserve driver role will go alongside a year in F2, potentially teaming up with Mercedes junior and GP3 champion George Russell, but as of now, Norris admits nothing is yet sorted.
“I’m still working hard to finalise my own racing programme for 2018 – we’re close on a number of different fronts, but not quite there yet. I hope to be able to announce something shortly,” he stated.
Norris first joined McLaren as a development driver after claiming the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award at the end of last year and Executive Director Zak Brown hailed the potential of a talent some are comparing to another former McLaren prodigy, Lewis Hamilton.
“Lando is an outstanding young talent. Today’s announcement is thoroughly deserved, and underlines the incredibly high regard in which we hold his abilities,” the American said.
“Showing the speed and consistency needed to win the European F3 championship, he is undoubtedly carving himself a reputation as one of the very best up-and-coming single-seater drivers in the world.
“His summer test for McLaren was also remarkably impressive and was further proof that he is ready to step up and take on a role of this size, scope and responsibility. We are all extremely keen to help him achieve his goal of racing in Formula 1.”
