Shortly after the McLaren and Mercedes Formula 1 teams announced an engine supply deal from 2021, it has emerged that young McLaren driver Lando Norris is set to be managed by Mercedes.
The racing prodigy, still in his rookie F1 season, has performed extremely well this year alongside Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz, prompting the British racing outfit to recently re-sign both drivers for the 2020 season.
Grand Prix 247 reports Norris’ deal with Mercedes was brokered by Horatio Investments, the company founded by his father. Under the deal, he will fall under the Mercedes driver management team led by Toto Wolff.
Also Watch: Lando Norris Samples McLaren 600LT Spider On Monza Circuit
In the immediate future, the signing of Norris to the Mercedes management team is unlikely to change much. However, in the years to come, Norris could be viewed by the Formula 1 powerhouse as an eventual successor to either Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas who are both in the latter halves of their careers. Other young drivers managed by Mercedes include Esteban Ocon and George Russell.
McLaren has made impressive progress this season with their Renault powertrains after a dismal few years using Honda engines. They currently sit fourth in the constructor standings below Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing Honda and are leading other mid-field teams including Renault, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari. McLaren believes that once it has Mercedes powertrains, it will be able to start challenging for podiums, race victories, and championships.
