McLaren hand Lando Norris new deal after interest from rivals

Lando Norris has signed a new £80million contract to keep him with McLaren for four more years.

The English driver, 22, put pen-to-paper on his last extension just nine months ago.

But Norris has been rewarded by McLaren following an impressive campaign with a bumper new deal – believed to be worth up to £20m-per-season – which will see him remain with the British team until the end of 2025.

McLaren also moved with Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari all understood to have evaluated signing the Glastonbury-born driver.

Lewis Hamilton, 37, is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of next year, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez operating on short-term deals.

Norris, who is set for his fourth season on the Formula One grid, said: "I am extremely happy – to stay in the sport for another four years is amazing.

"I am happy to do it with McLaren, the team I have grown up with and, more than anything, we want to continue what we have done so far and to reach our dream which is winning races and championships."

Norris was among the sport’s standout performers in 2021, claiming his first pole position in Russia – narrowly missing out on his maiden win at the rain-hit Sochi race – and delivering four podiums. He finished sixth in the championship.

And Norris, who has recently moved to Monaco, admitted his displays courted the interest of a number of rivals.

He continued: "I had to look at all the options for me and the ones I can be the most successful in and the best for me as a driver and the best for me as a person.

"Did any teams approach? There were little chats here and there, but that is all, and nothing went further than that.

"When something came up that is when I went to (team principal) Andreas (Seidl) and had a