Other Sport / Formula 1

Bristol-born teenager becomes McLaren F1 reserve and test driver

By Bristol24/7  Monday Nov 6, 2017

Lando Norris may only just be old enough to drive a car legally on the road, but next year the Bristol-born youngster will be the McLaren Formula One team’s official test and reserve driver.

Last month, the 17-year-old won the FIA European Formula 3 Championship at his very first attempt, following a hugely impressive Formula 1 test debut at the Hungaroring in August.

“I’m so excited to be joining McLaren as test and reserve driver for 2018,” said Lando, a member of the Bristol Sport Racing team.

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“The last 12 months have been an incredible journey for me – I’ve enjoyed every single minute – and this is just an amazing way to bring the year to an end.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldKpTTzXfA4

McLaren Racing director Eric Boullier added: “We feel it’s very important to have a fully enrolled test and reserve driver within the team. Lando will attend grands prix and become a fully integrated member of the team.

“Lando is somebody who arrives with a very high level of ability, ambition and application; it is our job to develop and fine-tune his focus as we increase his understanding of how a Formula 1 team operates and how a modern grand prix car works.

“There will be plenty of opportunity to observe, learn and participate throughout 2018, and we want to make sure Lando is fully prepared, if needed, to step into Fernando (Alonso) or Stoffel (Vandoorne)’s shoes at a moment’s notice.”

Read more: My Bristol Favourites: Dino Zamparelli

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