Pole Position: Norris targets F1 title after extending McLaren deal

Jim Munro
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Lando Norris has extended his contract with McLaren
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LiveScore’s Jim Munro gets you up to speed with the latest talk from the tracks.

Lando Norris has extended his contract to stay at McLaren beyond 2022 and immediately outlined his ambitions with the Woking-based team. 

“My commitment to McLaren is clear,” Norris said. “My goal is to win races and become Formula 1 world champion and I want to do that with this team. 

“Since joining in 2017 our progression has been consistent and we have clear ambitions together for the future.”

The likeable 21-year-old has quickly established himself as a fans' favourite, with some of the remarks he's made over the team radio making regular appearances on social media. 

His revised deal ensures a prolonged partnership with new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, 31, who signed a three-year contract at the start of this season. 

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After spells as a test and reserve driver, Norris debuted for McLaren at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix and secured his first podium finish in Austria last year. 

He’s got off to a flyer this season finishing in the points in all four races so far, as well as earning his second career podium at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in April.

Andreas Seidl, the Team Principal of McLaren F1, said: “Our decision to confirm Lando’s long-term future at McLaren was very straightforward. 

"Lando has impressed us since his rookie year with his performances and his evolution as a driver since then has been clear to see. 

“He’s an integral part of our performance recovery plan and his record so far, securing two podiums with the team over the past year, has shown he’s a formidable competitor on track. 

“Like him, we have strong ambitions for our future together and I’m pleased we’re continuing this journey into the next chapter for both Lando and the team. 

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“In Lando and Daniel we have a hugely talented and exciting driver line-up and this announcement is a strong signal of commitment to the next chapter for McLaren from 2022 onwards.”

For sale, one careful owner... Lewis Hamilton's 2010 F1 car

Lewis Hamilton's 2010 McLaren MP4-25A arriving at Sotheby's on Tuesday

There’s going to be a summer sale with a difference at this year’s British Grand Prix in July, with the live auction of Lewis Hamilton’s 2010 F1 McLaren.

You'll need to be a seriously committed fan to take part though as bids for the seven-time world champion’s former drive are expected to reach in excess of £4million.

The McLaren MP4-25A was piloted by Hamilton in his fourth season in F1 and he steered it to victory in the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix.  It’s the first time one of his winning rides has been made available. 

The Silverstone spectacle is already lined up to feature the sport’s first sprint-qualifying race on the Saturday, but this will now be preceded by a unique auction organised by RM Sotheby’s.

Ahead of qualifying, the McLaren will be driven around the famous circuit at speeds in excess of 150mph while the bidding process gets underway. 

Kate Beavan, director of hospitality and experiences at F1 said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with RM Sotheby’s in announcing the first ever sale of a Lewis Hamilton F1 GP winning car. 

“The timing of the sale couldn’t be better, a little over 10 years on from Lewis’s race win 12 in Istanbul, the car will be offered for public sale at Silverstone, home of Formula 1 racing - and in the wake of Lewis surpassing Michael Schumacher’s all-time F1 race wins total. 

“This very special event will see us actually auction an F1 car, while it is being driven around an F1 circuit. It is an incredible stage upon which to sell this iconic car.”

Shelby Myers, global head of private sales for RM Sotheby’s, said: “The McLaren represents the very pinnacle of performance and its desirability is virtually unmatched as simply no other Lewis Hamilton cars have changed hands. 

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“It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity made even more exhilarating by the manner in which the car will be sold.”

Lotus take pole position at Goodwood

Lotus last appeared in Goodwood's central feature in 2012

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is taking a new direction with its central feature this year, promising “an immersive customer experience on-event and from home” dedicated to Lotus.

One of the standout attractions at the annual hill climb set in the grounds of Goodwood House is a unique structure honouring a famous marque.     

Lotus were last selected in 2012 with several race cars posed in a giant 3D loop, but in a sign of the times this year’s display will not only be visually stunning, it will include an interactive element for fans viewing the speedfest online.

The Duke of Richmond, who founded and hosts the event, said: "We are delighted that Lotus will star as the Central Feature at this year's Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard. 

“Lotus cars raced with great success at Goodwood throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, including setting the ultimate lap record in 1965, and this year’s Central Feature will serve as a fitting landmark to their past, present and future achievements. 

“The sculpture looks set to be one of the most dramatic and futuristic yet, bringing in elements of interactivity for modern audiences that align with Lotus’ future-facing attitude and outlook.”

Each year 150,000 car enthusiasts flock to West Sussex to see cars ranging from Formula 1 classics to historic vehicles climb the hill, many being driven by famous names from motorsport, past and present.

Due to the ever-changing nature of recent Covid restrictions, more details regarding tickets will be made available closer to the start of the four-day event on July 8.

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