Even Lewis Hamilton would struggle in McLaren's 2023 F1 car, says Lando Norris

Lando Norris has hit back at those questioning his decision to sign for McLaren, insisting he remains unfazed by their criticism.

Norris snubbed the chance to join one the big three teams on the Formula 1 by agreeing to stay with McLaren until 2026 on a contract understood to be worth up to £20 million per season.

After scoring four podiums in 2020 - he narrowly missing out on a maiden win in Russia - Norris, who lives in Monaco, finished on the rostrum just once last year.

And there is deep concern at McLaren that they have fallen further down the pecking order ahead of the new campaign, which starts in Bahrain on Sunday.

'Not that simple'

Jenson Button, 43, the 2009 world champion who spent seven seasons with McLaren, said he was "surprised" that Norris committed to a four-year deal.

He also said the Englishman, who is gearing up for his fifth season in F1, must be in a winning machine at this career stage.

However, Norris, 23, said: "It is not always that simple.

"The thing with F1 is that you can be the best driver in the world and not be in the best car, and that is through no fault of your own.

"Lewis (Hamilton) came into McLaren (in 2007) when they were winning championships and winning races, and from the beginning, that makes you look good.

"If he came into McLaren now, he wouldn't have won a race, and he wouldn't have been anywhere near the driver he is today or achieved what he has today.

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"Not everyone knows what goes on behind the scenes and what opportunities there are. It is my choice, and I am the one who says 'yes' or 'no'. I could just be here because I am enjoying it more, and I like McLaren, and it's as simple as that.

"I respect people's opinions, particularly Jenson's because he