P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has revealed he turned down past “opportunities” to leave McLaren as he strives to lead the team to F1 title success in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
McLaren currently holds a 21-point lead over Ferrari as they head into the final race of the season at Yas Marina Circuit, aiming to secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. This season, Lando Norris claimed his eighth pole position, contributing to McLaren’s strong championship position. The team’s potential victory would mark a significant turnaround from their struggles in the previous season, when they were one of the slower teams on the grid with a less developed car. If McLaren clinches the championship, they would be the first team outside of Mercedes or Red Bull since 2009 to do so. Norris emphasized the team’s underappreciated success in challenging the F1 dominance of Mercedes and Red Bull. Despite speculation, Norris expressed pride in staying loyal to McLaren and being part of the team’s transformation under the leadership of Zak Brown.
