If Rumours are true McLaren might be being proactive in filling what is the seemingly inevitable empty seat in Alonso’s car as 17 Year Old Lando Norris Tests for McLaren this week.
Bristol born brit Lando Norris, who currently drives for Carlin was crowned 2016 Champion in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Formula Renault 2.0 NEC and Toyota Racing series.
Carlin is a team that has history in elevating young talent into the ranks of F1, indeed it was reported that they tried registering for F1 in 2008, but the Surrey based outfit later insisted it was “concentrating on success in the junior formulas”.
Should Lando get to complete the suggested testing for McLaren this week he could find himself following in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Riccardo, Daniil Kvyat, Magnussen and Palmer who all passed through Carlin’s teams doors into the F1 arena.
Red Bull have suggested Norris’ career is “Emulating Max Verstappen”. McLaren obviously rate the 17-year-old driver, they awarded him the 2016 McLaren Automotive BRDC Award.
This week It might be just a test, but if McLaren stick with Honda, there is a school of thought that they would struggle to attract proven experience worth paying for, and having a view of ongoing development, they might be hoping to mould some new talent to the team as a long-term deal even as test driver, perhaps bagging their very own Verstappen in the process.
SteveBarbyF1
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I don’t know if Fred will actually walk away after this season. It would end his F1 career altogether.
That being said, I’m always up for young talent. I felt they should’ve dropped Button two seasons ago to give Stoffel a chance.
“I felt they should’ve dropped Button two seasons ago to give Stoffel a chance.”
Yes, because that seems to be working out really well. He could barely keep up with Jensen after a seven month hiatus.
Stoffel was 10th when he crashed. Button was 19th when he crashed.
Because Button got a grid penalty. Alonso has absolutely dusted Vandoorne who at present looks barely better than Palmer or Stroll.
Stoffel had a penalty too. And Alonso is a triple wdc, one by many regarded as the best of his generation. Stoffel is a rookie.
He’s clearly no Max Verstappen though is he.
Can we really know that in that shitbox of a McLaren?
Remember that he was the first to score points in that car. Not the triple wdc and not the one time wdc.
A rookie in his first race.
I doubt it. Red Bull uses Toro Rosso to determine whether a driver has what it takes. They don’t put drivers straight off in the main team. They’ll be several seasoned drivers available for next year. And McLaren also have Nyck de Vries.
And I notice you didn’t use Stroll as an example of jumping from F3 straight into F1, who at this point is questionable whether he should be in F1, family money aside.
bit early for Lando next year, buyer beware with European F3, I mean for every Max there is a Lance 🙂
He’s in the program, so after seeing Stoff make the move he knows if he continues to impress there is a path to F1, but I can’t see them rushing him in. Don’t see the Macca lads in F2 being ready for next year either.
It would be a pity to see Alonso call it quits in any case, but if he does, I don’t see them promoting from within next year, only 20 cars available, someone will want to take it, I mean, Honda will surely get it right next year won’t they!
But if they do itll be at sauber Honda…
I doubt it. Red Bull uses Toro Rosso to determine whether a driver has the right stuff for the main team, you don’t go straight into Red Bull. There are also several seasoned drivers who will be available for next year. And McLaren also have Nyck de Vries
I’ll bet that McLaren are keeping a close eye on Stroll, as it appears increasing evident, family money aside, that he was brought into F1 to early and McLaren don’t want to make the same mistake. And how much influence will Honda have – are there any young Japanese drivers on the horizon?
I hear takuma Sato is a promising young lad. He just won the indy 500. 😂
Third and last comment attempt.
I doubt it. Red Bull uses Toro Rosso to determine whether a driver has the right stuff for the main team, you don’t go straight into Red Bull. There are also several seasoned drivers who will be available for next year. And McLaren also have Nyck de Vries
I’ll bet that McLaren are keeping a close eye on Stroll, as it appears increasing evident, family money aside, that he was brought into F1 to early and McLaren don’t want to make the same mistake. And how much influence will Honda have – are there any young Japanese drivers on the horizon?
We heard you the first two times 🙂
I feel you though, I couldn’t get a post to stick here the other day from my PC. Changed to smartphone and it worked. Go figure..
*clears throat*
There is something on the air this week
Their knees go weak for Lando
He’ll be signing there once Fred is off
They should swap The Stoff, for Lando
Though they never thought they would lose
Well not this bad
Honda has to pull their finger out
There is no doubt, poor ‘nando
Honda has to pull their finger out
There is no doubt, for Lando
Goooooooooooooooooooood one!
Oh, and thanks for your effort there, Steve. Nicely done 🙂
P.S. Sorry about the ABBA. It was that or an extended Empire Strikes Back post – I couldn’t think of a decent hook for that one.