NORRIS DREAM MCLAREN DRIVE

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Lando Norris has been promoted to the Mclaren Formula 1 team for 2019, replacing the outgoing Stoffel Vandoorne.

Norris has been with the Mclaren team as a junior driver since November 2017, and was first introduced to the team after testing one of its cars as part of the prize for winning the 2016 Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Norris tested this year’s car at the Hungary tyre test, before being given two FP1 appearances, at Spa and Monza, to impress the squad.

“To be announced as a race driver for Mclaren is a dream come true,” said the 18-year-old Briton.

“Although I’ve been part of the team for a while now, this is a special moment, one I could only hope would become reality.

“I’d like to thank the whole team for this amazing opportunity and for believing in me.

“I’m also extremely grateful for the commitment Mclaren has already shown in my development, allowing me to build my experience in a Formula 1 car in both testing and on Fridays during the past two race weekends.”

Reigning European Formula 3 champion Norris lies second in Formula 2 this year with the Carlin squad, with two rounds remaining.

Mclaren CEO Zak Brown added: “Lando is an integral part of our plan for rebuilding our Formula 1 operation for the future, and he has already developed a strong relationship with the team.”

Mclaren announced Norris immediately after it had revealed Vandoorne would leave the team in 2019, on Monday earlier this week.

The move takes another seat out of the equation for next year’s grid for highly-rated Mercedes junior and Racing Point Force India driver Esteban Ocon, whose options are running out as a Force India return and graduation to the Mercedes team are both off the table. Lance Stroll – whose father has led a consortium in purchasing Force India – looks set to replace Ocon, and could join the team later this year, while Artem Markelov has been linked to a Williams drive.

Daniil Kvyat emerged as a sensational possibility to return to Toro Rosso for next year, having worked with Ferrari as a reserve driver since he was dropped by Red Bull in 2017.

Toro Rosso doesn’t have many options as Red Bull’s driver development programme doesn’t have any driver options ready to race next year.