Lando Norris has been with McLaren since his Formula 1 debut in 2019, growing alongside the team that gave him his big break. But even as he chases his first F1 title in the familiar papaya colors, he’s got his eye on another legendary team.
When NBC News asked if he’d ever consider switching teams, Norris initially hesitated.
Then he revealed just enough to get fans speculating.
“I know exactly which one I would love to go to. It’s the team that everyone wants to be part of at some point in their career,” he said.
While staying mysterious, his reference to Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel’s career paths points pretty clearly to Ferrari. The iconic Italian team has long been the dream destination for many drivers.
But McLaren fans shouldn’t worry just yet.
“I’m very happy with McLaren,” Norris emphasized. “They brought me into Formula One, and I’ve spent my whole life here pretty much and I’m going to be here for many more years.”
He seems genuinely committed to his current team. “I’m excited to stay in papaya and keep fighting for them too.”
## Life Beyond the Track
What would Lando be doing if he wasn’t racing in F1? The answer comes without hesitation: golf.
“I’m good friends with a lot of the golfers, whether they’re in PGA or trialing and doing different types of tournaments,” he explained.
His passion for the sport is obvious.
“It’s the sport I enjoy the most outside of Formula One, so, I would probably say if I could re-run things, I would try and be a golfer.”
While golf remains popular among F1 drivers, another sport is quickly gaining traction in the paddock: padel.
Norris frequently joins other drivers like Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Pierre Gasly for matches. The latest season of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” even shows drivers squeezing in padel games between sessions during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
It seems that whether on track or off, F1 drivers can’t escape their competitive nature.
