P1racenews AI automatic summary:
There was a time when Formula 1’s driver market was constantly churning. Race seats would be up in the air to the eve of the season, with fans not necessarily certain who might be sitting in the co…
In the past, Formula 1’s driver market was constantly changing, with race seats being uncertain until the last moment. However, recent news, such as Lando Norris signing a new contract with McLaren before his previous deal had even ended, shows that the way driver negotiations work has transformed. This is a stark contrast compared to the past when Ayrton Senna was on a race-by-race deal with McLaren. Nowadays, it would be inconceivable for such short-term agreements to occur. This evolution has made the driver market more strategic and long-term, with many drivers making early moves. Norris’s decision to stay with McLaren is influenced by their progress and limited alternatives. The trend of doing transfer business early was set by Fernando Alonso’s move to McLaren in 2007, which was announced in December 2005. Continuity in driver line-ups has become crucial due to the complexity of the cars and the strategic nature of commercial partnerships. This has led to the driver market being stretched over longer periods of time.
