Norris: Fresh start is good for McLaren

Lando Norris believes McLaren have made the right call in going for an all-new driver line up, saying a “fresh start” is needed.

Earlier this month McLaren confirmed that they would not be renewing Stoffel Vandoorne’s contract, instead signingLando Norris as Carlos Sainz’s 2019 team-mate.

That means a complete overhaul of McLaren’s line up asFernando Alonso is also leaving the team, and the sport as a whole, at the end of this season.

Norris and Sainz’s partnership marksMcLaren’sfirst all-new driver line up since 2007 when Alonso teamed up with rookie driver Lewis Hamilton.

Norris reckons the change will be good for the team.

“As much as I would have loved to partner Fernando — which I did manage to do for three laps at Monza — for as much as I admire Fernando and I loved working with him from Daytona all the way through McLaren, I think for the longevity of McLaren and helping them improve as a team together I think having Carlos is another thing where we can really push each other together,” said the Brit.

“I think Fernando, if he was here again next year, he would definitely help the team improve but I think going throughout all the years it is good teams have fresh starts every now and then. Especially with where McLaren are now.

“I don’t think it is a bad thing or a good thing that I am going with Carlos. I look forward to working with him as I have never spoken to him or met him so I look forward to it.

“It is a shame because I really would have loved the opportunity to drive with Fernando. Hopefully I will in the future whether it is in Formula 1 or some endurance race. I would like to.

“But for McLaren and myself I think it is the best thing.”

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