Lando Norris Shares Max Verstappen's Desire for Diverse Racing Ventures

Lando Norris has revealed he shares Max Verstappen's ambition to compete in various racing categories beyond Formula 1 before concluding his career. This ambition mirrors Verstappen's recent foray into GT3 endurance racing at the Nordschleife, where he secured a debut victory.

Why it matters:

• Both Norris and Verstappen, two of F1's brightest stars, are expressing a desire to explore racing beyond the pinnacle of motorsport. This highlights a broader trend among elite drivers to seek diverse challenges and experiences outside the demanding F1 calendar.
• For F1 fans, it offers a glimpse into the drivers' personal ambitions and could potentially lead to exciting appearances in iconic endurance races like Le Mans or Daytona, even as F1 schedules become increasingly packed.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Recent Endeavor: Max Verstappen recently expanded his racing portfolio by competing in a GT3 endurance race at the Nordschleife, securing a victory.
• Norris's Ambition: Norris has stated his clear intention to participate in other racing series in the future, mentioning McLaren's upcoming Le Mans venture in 2027 as a potential opportunity.
• Previous Endurance Experience: Norris is not new to endurance racing, having competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018 alongside Fernando Alonso.
• Ruled Out: However, Norris has explicitly stated he will "never do" oval racing, citing it's "just not for me."
• F1 Schedule Constraints: The current 24-round F1 calendar offers minimal time for active F1 drivers to engage in other categories.

Between the lines:

Norris acknowledged that Verstappen is currently in an "easier position" to pursue non-F1 appearances. Verstappen, having already secured multiple championships and currently not in a tight championship battle, has more flexibility.

• Championship Impact: Norris implied that if he were deep in a championship fight, venturing into other series might not be perceived favorably. He noted that Verstappen, despite a strong season, isn't "miles off a championship this year," but his past success offers a different context.
• Shared Desire: Despite the differing circumstances, Norris emphasized, "I have the same want and desire as Max to go and do other things, and just go do whatever I enjoy."

What's next:

While the immediate F1 schedule keeps drivers focused, both Norris and Verstappen's comments suggest that once their F1 commitments allow, or in Norris's case, post-F1 career, they are keen to explore a wider range of motorsport disciplines. This could lead to a future where F1 legends are more frequently seen in other prestigious endurance events around the world.