Norris: Toro Rosso F1 drive offer won't distract me from F2/McLaren
Lando Norris insists an approach from Toro Rosso to join its Formula 1 line-up will not distract him from his Formula 2 efforts or his role as McLaren's reserve driver
It emerged on Wednesday that McLaren, which looks after Norris's career, rejected an offer from Toro Rosso for the young British driver to replace Brendon Hartley from the Austrian Grand Prix.
Hartley has had a disappointing start to the season - albeit having encountered bad luck - and there has been speculation since the Monaco Grand Prix that the New Zealander's long-term future could be in doubt.
Toro Rosso has started evaluating its options but its offer to promote Norris was knocked back by McLaren, which is believed to be considering promoting its junior driver to its own F1 team next year.
Speaking about the Toro Rosso offer, Norris said: "I'm flattered by the stories but I'm focussed on F2 and committed to McLaren. I leave this sort of thing to my management."
It is understood that the Toro Rosso offer would have committed Norris to the Red Bull junior team for longer than just this season.
Neither of McLaren's drivers are committed for the 2019 F1 campaign.
Fernando Alonso's future beyond the end of this year is not guaranteed, with the Spaniard having to decide if he wants to stay in F1, while Stoffel Vandoorne's fate rests on him improving after a tough start to 2018.
With uncertainty over both its drivers, McLaren needs Norris to be available as a back-up option, if it believes he is ready to step up to F1 in 2019.
Should McLaren eventually keep both of its current drivers, then it would be more open to loaning Norris out to give him more experience.
A McLaren spokesman said: "We are not surprised that other teams approach our drivers. They clearly believe they are as talented as we do."
Previous article
FIA reveals new F1 helmet safety standards for 2019
Next article
Formula 1: Mercedes postpones Canada engine upgrade
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Lando Norris |
| Teams | Toro Rosso , McLaren |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
