McLaren’s Andrea Stella claims Lando Norris “stands together” with F1 champions such as Fernando Alonso

Andrea Stella has worked with F1 champions such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso during his time at Scuderia Ferrari.

McLaren’s Andrea Stella claims Lando Norris “stands together” with F1 champions such as Fernando Alonso

Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso (Via F1)

Lando Norris is one of the most exciting talents in Formula 1. The British driver has proven to be a formidable driver for McLaren since his debut in 2019. Recently, Norris signed a long-term deal with the Woking-based team to cement this partnership. Now, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has reckoned that the 24-year-old has what it takes to be a future world champion.

Stella was previously at Scuderia Ferrari where he even served as the performance engineer for Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. Moreover, the 52-year-old took up the role of race engineer for Raikkonen in 2009 before pairing up with Fernando Alonso. Subsequently, Andrea Stella moved to McLaren alongside the Spanish driver in 2015.

Andrea Stella reckoned that Lando Norris stands firmly alongside the aforementioned world champions. The Italian was convinced that Norris fell into the same category as someone who had the potential to win the F1 world title in the future. The 52-year-old praised the Briton’s incredible pace and work ethic which put him in the same league as someone like Fernando Alonso.

Lando definitely stands together with them. It is the same category, the same kind of world championship material, the underlying talent, the mindset, the work ethos. It's all ready to go.
Andrea Stella said as reported by Motorsport.com

McLaren delighted to secure Lando Norris for the long-term

Lando Norris’ existing contract with the Woking-based team would’ve expired at the end of 2025. However, Norris decided to get a long-term extension with McLaren before the start of the 2024 season to show his commitment to the British squad. The 24-year-old was not willing to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull despite holding talks previously.

Lando Norris and Andrea Stella.
Lando Norris and Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)

Andrea Stella mentioned that it was important for Norris and the team to consistently improve in the coming years. A trait that is often seen in world champions in Formula 1. Moreover, the 52-year-old affirmed that the British squad was glad to have the services of Lando Norris for the long term.

We just need to keep growing year after year like every champion does. But we are extremely happy and committed to Lando, in this respect.

Certainly, Lando Norris and McLaren have mutual trust in this partnership. The 24-year-old aims to win the F1 world championship as part of the Woking-based team. However, the British squad would need to build a car capable of fighting for the world title to provide such an opportunity to its star driver. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out for Norris and McLaren.

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