ANALYSIS: Why Norris’ new deal makes perfect sense for him and resurgent McLaren

Stability is key to success in Formula 1 – and McLaren have now got that in abundance, extending Lando Norris’ stay on a multi-year deal that will keep him at the team alongside Daniel Ricciardo until at least the end of 2023.

There is no doubt Norris deserved a new deal. He is on some run of form, ending last season with a run of five points finishes and picking up where he left off this term, with points in all four Grands Prix to date, including a podium at Imola.

Norris, 21, has stepped it up this year, relishing the role of leading the team following the departure of Carlos Sainz and the arrival of Daniel Ricciardo.

As the Australian seven-time race winner Ricciardo finds his feet, Norris has absorbed the pressure and consistently got the best out of the car, playing a key role in keeping McLaren above Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

McLaren are reaping the returns on their investment

That kind of form will no doubt have made him of interest to rivals elsewhere on the grid. The majority of teams, including Mercedes, have a berth at their squad next year, and someone of Norris’ standing – with his reputation very much on a sharp upward trajectory – would be very attractive.

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McLaren, though, know what they have in Norris, whom they have long supported, drafting him into the family as a test and simulator driver in 2017, rising to reserve and then a full-time race seat.

It’s been a significant investment, similar to what they did with Lewis Hamilton before the now seven-time world champion moved to Mercedes in 2013, and one on which Norris has given them a strong return.

Norris has embedded himself in the team, even moving to within a couple of minutes’ drive of the factory just so he could go in more often. The mechanics and engineers love him, both on and off the track, and he’s the ultimate team player, often staying on a Sunday night to help the team with pack down.

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For Norris, being successful in F1 is more than just driving fast. He gets the bigger picture, moulding the team together in a way Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have managed to do.

Staying at McLaren – and continuing the relationships he has spent years cultivating, would have been a no brainer for him when it became clear they wanted to keep him, even if others had come calling. If anything, interest from others would have improved his stock and negotiating position.

Resurgent McLaren is a great place to be

McLaren are on the up, this year fighting for third with Ferrari on pure performance. Their move to Mercedes power has been incredibly smooth, while James Key’s leadership of the technical team is paying huge dividends. The structure Zak Brown and Andreas Seidl have put in place is also coming good, too.

To continue making steps forward, McLaren have sensibly moved to get Norris’ contract – which was set to expire at the end of the year – done and dusted early doors. They know that the can rely on him to deliver.

READ MORE: How McLaren are trying to stay ahead of Ferrari – and the front wing call they have to make for Monaco

With Ricciardo already committed, having signed a three-year arrangement starting this year – McLaren avoid any speculation about their driver line-up this year and next, allowing them to fully focus on getting the most out of this year and maximising their preparation for 2022, when the rules are overhauled.

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Norris, too, won’t be distracted about his future and if anything, will likely have a boost in confidence that McLaren have decided to back him for the long term.

This is a huge opportunity for Norris to assert himself as one of the big names in F1 for the next decade. He said he wants to win races and the World Championship with McLaren. A few years ago that might have been fanciful – borderline improbable in the short term. Now, though, it’s genuinely realistic.