McLaren F1 names Lando Norris reserve driver for 2018 season

The McLaren Formula 1 (F1) team has signed Lando Norris to be their test and reserve driver for the 2018 season. Aside from his developmental role, the 17-year-old Briton will step in for Fernando Alonso or Stoffel Vandoorne at a moment’s notice should the need arise.

As McLaren’s test and reserve driver, he will play active roles on both track and simulator. Norris will also attend grand prix as well as work closely with the main drivers, engineers, and marketing teams.

I’m really looking forward to helping the team. I will work harder than ever to learn and develop across the next year. I have two excellent teachers in Fernando and Stoffel, and I will do my best to help with the team’s efforts to get back to the front.

Lando Norris
McLaren Test and Reserve Driver

Norris has won several championship titles in his young career with the most recent coming this year from the European Formula 3. Apart from that, he was also awarded with the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, a prestigious accolade given to upcoming racing talents.

Last August, he made his F1 test debut where he performed well enough to challenge 4-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel for the fastest lap. Though he came 0.261 slower at the end of the testing day, it still showed the incredible talent of the Briton.