P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why stable F1 2024 entry list was calm before driver market storm
The contract extensions for Charles Leclerc at Ferrari and Lando Norris at McLaren may not come as a surprise, but they are significant statements by both the teams and the drivers, showing their faith in each other. This is part of a chess game amongst the teams in the driver market, with no changes between campaigns for the first time ever. However, with new regulations coming into force in 2026, the future is uncertain as to which power unit suppliers will have the upper hand. Leclerc and Norris are the third and fourth drivers to have contracts crossing over into the new era. More speculation and gossip is expected as teams and drivers aim to secure the best deals for the future. Red Bull had shown interest in Norris, but McLaren has put a stop to any attempts to lure him away by extending his deal.
