BALTIMORE — Now, the decisions begin.

The Baltimore Ravens wrapped up a dominant preseason with a 41-3 win over the Washington Commanders Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium. In going 3-0 in the preseason, Jesse Minter’s team outscored the opposition 78-13.

Minter kept most of his starters, and even some top backups, on the sideline throughout the preseason, so the team’s performance is a strong endorsement of its depth. That inevitably leads to tough decisions for general manager Eric DeCosta.

The Ravens have to cut their roster down to 53 by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. They then will bring back many of the players they cut to their practice squad if they clear waivers. Practice squads will start forming Monday.

The uncertain health statuses of defensive end Nnamdi Madubuike, inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan and cornerback Bilhal Kone add a layer of difficulty in projecting the 53-man roster, but here’s our attempt to do just that.

Quarterback (2)

In: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley

Out: Joe Fagnano, Austin Reed

IR: Skylar Thompson

Toughest call: Waiving Fagnano in hopes he’ll clear and return to the practice squad

It’s been treated like a foregone conclusion throughout the offseason that the Ravens would go with just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. That still could be their direction. The team’s decision-makers have repeatedly shown that they don’t place much value on rostering a third quarterback.

Still, the undrafted rookie out of UConn has forced them to make a difficult call. He’s played with poise and made some impressive throws and decisions. He certainly looks like a developmental quarterback a team would want to keep around. Fagnano played well enough that Baltimore can’t be too comfortable about the prospects of him clearing waivers, either.

Running back (4)

In: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Adam Randall

Out: Elijah Tau-Tolliver, Jonathan Ward, Dontae McMillan

Toughest call: Keeping four backs rather than a third quarterback

There isn’t much ambiguity in the roster decisions on offense, but this is an area that could go either way. Neither Ali nor Randall has done enough to separate themselves as the clear winner of the No. 3 job, and Ali missed a lot of time with an undisclosed injury this summer.

The No. 3 back is expected to influence special teams far more than the offense, so that could give an edge to Ali, who played 55 percent of the team’s special teams snaps last year. However, the Ravens do not like cutting mid-round rookie draft picks, and Randall, a fifth-rounder, was owner Steve Bisciotti’s handpicked selection. That’s why it’s easy to foresee a scenario where both Ali and Randall make it.

Wide receiver (6)

In: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt, LaJohntay Wester

Out: Chris Moore, Xavier Guillory, Dayton Wade, Cornelius Johnson, Octavian Smith Jr., Cortez Braham Jr.

Toughest call: Deciding which two or three receivers to keep on the practice squad

The top five were all but set when training camp began a month ago, and Wester, as the team’s top punt returner, seemed close to a lock as long as he avoided ball-security issues during camp. He’s done that, and he’s shown promise as a wide receiver, too.

None of the other receivers really made much of a roster push, and Guillory, Wade and Smith battled injuries. Moore, given his experience and special teams ability, is probably a guy the Ravens would like to keep on the practice squad.

Tight end (4)

In: Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe, Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas

Out: Ty Pezza, Lucas Scott (fullback)

Toughest call: Choosing between Hibner and Cuevas for the more prominent role

This is another position that’s been mostly set since before training camp started. The Ravens figure to rely heavily on tight ends in Declan Doyle’s offense and on special teams. With no true fullback being utilized, keeping four tight ends is hardly an imposition to the rest of the roster.

The only real decision will come on whether both Hibner and Cuevas can be active on game day, but the Ravens have time to sort that out.

Offensive line (9)

In: Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Vega Ioane, Roger Rosengarten, Jovaughn Gwyn, Ethan Pocic, Carson Vinson, Emery Jones Jr., Andrew Vorhees

Out: Corey Bullock, David Sharpe, Evan Beerntsen, Gerad Lichtenhan, Diego Pounds, Nick Dawkins

IR: Danny Pinter

Toughest call: Deciding who gets the ninth and final spot

The Ravens have gone with 10 offensive linemen before, but there’s not an obvious choice for that spot this year. Bullock missed so much time this summer, and Sharpe just signed about a week ago. Beerntsen, a rookie seventh-rounder, has played sparingly. Lichtenhan wasn’t able to build off a solid preseason opener.

Vorhees, the former starter at left guard, struggled at times, too. But his spot felt relatively secure once he agreed to a contract alteration. It feels like Pinter going down cleared up any ambiguity.

Defensive line (6)

In: Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, Broderick Washington Jr., John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles

Out: C.J. Okoye, Rayshaun Benny, David Olajiga, Dion Wilson Jr., Aaron Graves

Toughest call: Putting Madubuike on the active roster or starting him on injured reserve to give him another month-plus to clear mental and physical hurdles

Minter wasn’t definitive about whether Madubuike, who hasn’t progressed to team drills yet, will be ready for Week 1. The Ravens and Madubuike have been taking it extremely slow in his return from a neck injury. If the Ravens feel he still needs a few more weeks or even if he’ll be in a part-time role early in the season, it sure makes sense to keep an extra defensive lineman. They have also talked about limiting Campbell’s snaps early.

Peebles should have the edge on Okoye and Benny for the last spot, because his interior pass-rush ability adds diversity to the group. However, Peebles playing late in the final preseason game did feel ominous.

Outside linebacker (5)

In: Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, Zion Young, Adisa Isaac

Out: Ethan Burke, Kaimon Rucker

Toughest call: Deciding whether to go with Isaac, Burke or Rucker for that fifth spot

The Ravens’ top four are set, and they’d probably be comfortable going into the season with just Hendrickson, Robinson, Green and Young on the 53. Yet, it’s always difficult for them to move on from an early-to-mid-round pick, and Isaac is a 2024 third-rounder who just hasn’t had a chance to develop because of injuries. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens find a way to keep him and buy a little more time.

An undrafted free agent out of Texas, Burke has outplayed Isaac this summer and made a clear case. But he’s probably more likely to clear waivers than Isaac, and Day 2 draft picks get more time than undrafted free agents.

Inside linebacker (4)

In: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins IV

Out: Carl Jones Jr. (IR candidate), Dominic DeLuca, Jamon Johnson, Michael Barrett

Toughest call: Determining whether Buchanan is close enough to game action to start him on the 53

Injuries have wreaked havoc on this position group and probably simplified decisions. Carl Jones, for one, was viewed as a strong candidate for the No. 4 inside linebacker/core special-teamer role, but he’s been out since early in camp. Jamon Johnson was a late signing, but a thumb injury took him out of the mix.

Higgins, a second-year undrafted free agent, has had a solid camp and appears to have the inside track for the No. 4 inside linebacker spot. However, DeLuca has opened up some eyes this summer as a rookie free agent and made the most of his preseason starter reps.

Cornerback (6)

In: Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin, Chandler Rivers

Out: Bilhal Kone (possible IR), Robert Longerbeam, Marquise Robinson, Amani Oruwariye, Lardarius Webb Jr.

Toughest call: Moving on from both Kone and Longerbeam

This is, by far, the most difficult position to whittle down. Kone and Longerbeam, both 2025 sixth-round picks, have played well enough to secure spots. Marquise Robinson and Oruwariye have been pretty good, too.

Kone’s recent undisclosed injury has complicated matters, because he seemed well on his way to earning his place. The issue is the Ravens simply don’t have enough spots to accommodate all of their deserving corners.

If they keep just four outside linebackers or five interior defensive linemen, that would create room to carry seven corners. Anything beyond seven would be prohibitive to the rest of the roster. The Ravens want to keep as many talented corners as possible, but it’s going to take some roster gymnastics to get it done.

Jettisoning Kone, in particular, would hurt, given the promise he’s shown and how hard he’s worked to return from a significant knee injury. He could be one of the guys the Ravens put on IR with plans for him to return.

Safety (4)

In: Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson

Out: K’Von Wallace, Silas Walters

IR: Jahquez Robinson

Toughest call: Deciding whether to keep Wallace or go with just four safeties

Wallace’s status is the only question here. The veteran has had a good camp and played well in the preseason games. For a team that will have three safeties on the field on just about every defensive snap, it certainly would make sense to keep a fifth safety, particularly one with extensive starting experience.

However, as a vested veteran, Wallace doesn’t go through waivers. They could talk him into agreeing to join the practice squad with a promise to elevate him to the game day roster early in the season.

Specialists (3)

In: Tyler Loop (kicker), Ryan Eckley (punter), Nick Moore (long snapper)

Out: Nobody

Toughest call: Sticking with Loop

Despite all the outside angst, the Ravens continue to show faith in their young kicker. They never even brought in another kicker to challenge Loop or the rookie Eckley, so there’s no decision to even ponder for now.

However, it will be interesting to see if they add another kicker to the practice squad and get him ready in case Loop falters. Loop’s status is suddenly the team’s biggest story heading into cutdown day after he missed 2 of 4 attempts in the preseason finale.

Lando Norris says signing a new contract that will keep him at McLaren until at least the end of 2030 was “quite an easy yes for me”.

The world champion, whose new deal was announced on Saturday, said he “didn’t even have a look” at other teams before deciding to commit his future to the team he has been with since his Formula 1 debut in 2019.

“There was some interest from elsewhere,” Norris said in an interview with BBC Sport, “but I don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t want to be with another team. I don’t want to spend time with other people.

“That’s why it really was probably one of the easiest decisions I’ve made since being in Formula 1.”

The Briton had no need to rush his decision to commit to McLaren because his existing contract still had more than a year to run.

But he says the idea “became a topic of conversation over the last four months or so, but very loosely in the background” and he had no hesitation in agreeing.

Norris says his loyalty to McLaren is based on the relationships he has within the team – starting with chief executive officer Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella – and their shared history.

After Norris made his F1 debut in 2019, they spent several years struggling for competitiveness, before their form turned around quickly after Stella was promoted at the end of 2022.

The team won consecutive constructors’ championships in 2024 and 2025 – ending a drought that went back to 1998 – and the drivers’ title for Norris last year.

The 26-year-old said: “The fact I stuck it through with them and then we went on to obviously have success certainly makes me feel like I don’t want to… they didn’t give up on me and I didn’t give up on them.

“That just creates a very strong bond between everyone that works here. I want to believe that bond stays as strong as it is now ’til I do retire in my career at Formula 1.

“I know that’s a long, long way away and I don’t want to think of it. But I believe we’re in the best place we’ve ever been even with a tough start to the season. And I believe that we can fight through anything together for sure.”

Lando Norris has signed a new long-term contract extension with McLaren that will keep him with the Formula 1 team until at least the end of 2030.

Norris, 26, announced the news at McLaren’s annual family and friends open day on Saturday morning at its factory in Woking, UK, committing his future to the team with which he has spent his entire F1 career.

The British driver won his first F1 world title last year, ending McLaren’s 17-year wait for a drivers’ championship after beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by two points in the final standings.

Although Norris was still under contract at McLaren for next year, having signed his most recent long-term deal in early 2024, the announcement locks him in at the team for at least another four years.

Beyond the initial commitment that runs to the end of the 2030 season, McLaren also stated there was a multi-year option to extend beyond that date as part of the agreement.

The team also revealed as part of the contract announcement that Norris will be gifted his championship-winning MCL39 car from the 2025 season.

“McLaren is my home, and I’m very pleased to be signing a new contract to keep me with the team until at least 2030,” Norris said in a statement.

“When I started this journey nine years ago, I was clear about the goals I wanted to achieve: to get McLaren back to the front and to win championships. We’ve achieved that goal, but we want more, we want to keep on winning, and we know as a team that we’re capable of achieving it.”

Norris joined McLaren’s young driver academy in 2017 before joining its F1 line-up two years later, making his grand prix debut at the age of 19.

He scored his first F1 race win at Miami in 2024 before helping McLaren win that year’s constructors’ championship, the team’s first in 26 years, and finishing as runner-up to Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.

2025 brought Norris seven victories en route to last year’s drivers’ title, overcoming both Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to clinch the championship at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Norris lies fourth in this year’s drivers’ standings, and has won the last two races in Hungary and the Netherlands.

A deal worthy of a world champion

Analysis by Luke Smith, Senior Writer, F1

There’s never been any doubt over Norris’s future with McLaren. As he said, the team is his home. It’s all he’s known in F1, and, importantly, has led him to realize his life dream of becoming world champion.

But this deal is a big show of faith from both Norris and McLaren in one another, keeping them together for at least another four years with an option to extend beyond that. Norris clearly views it as the place to be and McLaren has total confidence in him continuing to progress.

After his Dutch Grand Prix win last weekend, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said Norris was getting “stronger and stronger race by race,” and consistently producing performances befitting a world champion.

Norris ended McLaren’s 17-year wait for a drivers’ world champion (Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images)

The new contract also takes Norris out of any conversation around driver market movements in the coming years. Verstappen, who was linked with McLaren earlier this year, announced his own extension through to 2030 at Red Bull at the Dutch Grand Prix, putting the two drivers in sync.

It also serves as further stability for the setup at McLaren that has evolved the team into a back-to-back constructors’ championship winner. Stella and McLaren Racing’s CEO, Zak Brown, also have long-term deals in place, while Piastri’s latest multi-year deal was signed in early 2025 and the Australian has professed faith in realizing his dream of also becoming a world champion at McLaren.

Although the financial particulars of the contract won’t be revealed, it’s likely Norris’s status as a world champion has been reflected in his extended deal. The gifting of his McLaren car from last year is significant, given most teams tend to retain ownership of their models from each year.

Norris may not have had the car to challenge for the world championship from the very first race this year, the early part of the season instead being dominated by Mercedes, but his performances through 2026 have arguably been even better than last year.

There was never any reason for him to consider a move away from McLaren. But now Norris has the contract, commitment and, importantly, stability all set for the next chapter of his career.

BALTIMORE — Now, the decisions begin.

The Baltimore Ravens wrapped up a dominant preseason with a 41-3 win over the Washington Commanders Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium. In going 3-0 in the preseason, Jesse Minter’s team outscored the opposition 78-13.

Minter kept most of his starters, and even some top backups, on the sideline throughout the preseason, so the team’s performance is a strong endorsement of its depth. That inevitably leads to tough decisions for general manager Eric DeCosta.

The Ravens have to cut their roster down to 53 by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. They then will bring back many of the players they cut to their practice squad if they clear waivers. Practice squads will start forming Monday.

The uncertain health statuses of defensive end Nnamdi Madubuike, inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan and cornerback Bilhal Kone add a layer of difficulty in projecting the 53-man roster, but here’s our attempt to do just that.

Quarterback (2)

In: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley

Out: Joe Fagnano, Austin Reed

IR: Skylar Thompson

Toughest call: Waiving Fagnano in hopes he’ll clear and return to the practice squad

It’s been treated like a foregone conclusion throughout the offseason that the Ravens would go with just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. That still could be their direction. The team’s decision-makers have repeatedly shown that they don’t place much value on rostering a third quarterback.

Still, the undrafted rookie out of UConn has forced them to make a difficult call. He’s played with poise and made some impressive throws and decisions. He certainly looks like a developmental quarterback a team would want to keep around. Fagnano played well enough that Baltimore can’t be too comfortable about the prospects of him clearing waivers, either.

Running back (4)

In: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali, Adam Randall

Out: Elijah Tau-Tolliver, Jonathan Ward, Dontae McMillan

Toughest call: Keeping four backs rather than a third quarterback

There isn’t much ambiguity in the roster decisions on offense, but this is an area that could go either way. Neither Ali nor Randall has done enough to separate themselves as the clear winner of the No. 3 job, and Ali missed a lot of time with an undisclosed injury this summer.

The No. 3 back is expected to influence special teams far more than the offense, so that could give an edge to Ali, who played 55 percent of the team’s special teams snaps last year. However, the Ravens do not like cutting mid-round rookie draft picks, and Randall, a fifth-rounder, was owner Steve Bisciotti’s handpicked selection. That’s why it’s easy to foresee a scenario where both Ali and Randall make it.

Wide receiver (6)

In: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Ja’Kobi Lane, Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt, LaJohntay Wester

Out: Chris Moore, Xavier Guillory, Dayton Wade, Cornelius Johnson, Octavian Smith Jr., Cortez Braham Jr.

Toughest call: Deciding which two or three receivers to keep on the practice squad

The top five were all but set when training camp began a month ago, and Wester, as the team’s top punt returner, seemed close to a lock as long as he avoided ball-security issues during camp. He’s done that, and he’s shown promise as a wide receiver, too.

None of the other receivers really made much of a roster push, and Guillory, Wade and Smith battled injuries. Moore, given his experience and special teams ability, is probably a guy the Ravens would like to keep on the practice squad.

Tight end (4)

In: Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe, Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas

Out: Ty Pezza, Lucas Scott (fullback)

Toughest call: Choosing between Hibner and Cuevas for the more prominent role

This is another position that’s been mostly set since before training camp started. The Ravens figure to rely heavily on tight ends in Declan Doyle’s offense and on special teams. With no true fullback being utilized, keeping four tight ends is hardly an imposition to the rest of the roster.

The only real decision will come on whether both Hibner and Cuevas can be active on game day, but the Ravens have time to sort that out.

Offensive line (9)

In: Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Vega Ioane, Roger Rosengarten, Jovaughn Gwyn, Ethan Pocic, Carson Vinson, Emery Jones Jr., Andrew Vorhees

Out: Corey Bullock, David Sharpe, Evan Beerntsen, Gerad Lichtenhan, Diego Pounds, Nick Dawkins

IR: Danny Pinter

Toughest call: Deciding who gets the ninth and final spot

The Ravens have gone with 10 offensive linemen before, but there’s not an obvious choice for that spot this year. Bullock missed so much time this summer, and Sharpe just signed about a week ago. Beerntsen, a rookie seventh-rounder, has played sparingly. Lichtenhan wasn’t able to build off a solid preseason opener.

Vorhees, the former starter at left guard, struggled at times, too. But his spot felt relatively secure once he agreed to a contract alteration. It feels like Pinter going down cleared up any ambiguity.

Defensive line (6)

In: Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Calais Campbell, Broderick Washington Jr., John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles

Out: C.J. Okoye, Rayshaun Benny, David Olajiga, Dion Wilson Jr., Aaron Graves

Toughest call: Putting Madubuike on the active roster or starting him on injured reserve to give him another month-plus to clear mental and physical hurdles

Minter wasn’t definitive about whether Madubuike, who hasn’t progressed to team drills yet, will be ready for Week 1. The Ravens and Madubuike have been taking it extremely slow in his return from a neck injury. If the Ravens feel he still needs a few more weeks or even if he’ll be in a part-time role early in the season, it sure makes sense to keep an extra defensive lineman. They have also talked about limiting Campbell’s snaps early.

Peebles should have the edge on Okoye and Benny for the last spot, because his interior pass-rush ability adds diversity to the group. However, Peebles playing late in the final preseason game did feel ominous.

Outside linebacker (5)

In: Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, Zion Young, Adisa Isaac

Out: Ethan Burke, Kaimon Rucker

Toughest call: Deciding whether to go with Isaac, Burke or Rucker for that fifth spot

The Ravens’ top four are set, and they’d probably be comfortable going into the season with just Hendrickson, Robinson, Green and Young on the 53. Yet, it’s always difficult for them to move on from an early-to-mid-round pick, and Isaac is a 2024 third-rounder who just hasn’t had a chance to develop because of injuries. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens find a way to keep him and buy a little more time.

An undrafted free agent out of Texas, Burke has outplayed Isaac this summer and made a clear case. But he’s probably more likely to clear waivers than Isaac, and Day 2 draft picks get more time than undrafted free agents.

Inside linebacker (4)

In: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins IV

Out: Carl Jones Jr. (IR candidate), Dominic DeLuca, Jamon Johnson, Michael Barrett

Toughest call: Determining whether Buchanan is close enough to game action to start him on the 53

Injuries have wreaked havoc on this position group and probably simplified decisions. Carl Jones, for one, was viewed as a strong candidate for the No. 4 inside linebacker/core special-teamer role, but he’s been out since early in camp. Jamon Johnson was a late signing, but a thumb injury took him out of the mix.

Higgins, a second-year undrafted free agent, has had a solid camp and appears to have the inside track for the No. 4 inside linebacker spot. However, DeLuca has opened up some eyes this summer as a rookie free agent and made the most of his preseason starter reps.

Cornerback (6)

In: Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin, Chandler Rivers

Out: Bilhal Kone (possible IR), Robert Longerbeam, Marquise Robinson, Amani Oruwariye, Lardarius Webb Jr.

Toughest call: Moving on from both Kone and Longerbeam

This is, by far, the most difficult position to whittle down. Kone and Longerbeam, both 2025 sixth-round picks, have played well enough to secure spots. Marquise Robinson and Oruwariye have been pretty good, too.

Kone’s recent undisclosed injury has complicated matters, because he seemed well on his way to earning his place. The issue is the Ravens simply don’t have enough spots to accommodate all of their deserving corners.

If they keep just four outside linebackers or five interior defensive linemen, that would create room to carry seven corners. Anything beyond seven would be prohibitive to the rest of the roster. The Ravens want to keep as many talented corners as possible, but it’s going to take some roster gymnastics to get it done.

Jettisoning Kone, in particular, would hurt, given the promise he’s shown and how hard he’s worked to return from a significant knee injury. He could be one of the guys the Ravens put on IR with plans for him to return.

Safety (4)

In: Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, Jaylinn Hawkins, Keondre Jackson

Out: K’Von Wallace, Silas Walters

IR: Jahquez Robinson

Toughest call: Deciding whether to keep Wallace or go with just four safeties

Wallace’s status is the only question here. The veteran has had a good camp and played well in the preseason games. For a team that will have three safeties on the field on just about every defensive snap, it certainly would make sense to keep a fifth safety, particularly one with extensive starting experience.

However, as a vested veteran, Wallace doesn’t go through waivers. They could talk him into agreeing to join the practice squad with a promise to elevate him to the game day roster early in the season.

Specialists (3)

In: Tyler Loop (kicker), Ryan Eckley (punter), Nick Moore (long snapper)

Out: Nobody

Toughest call: Sticking with Loop

Despite all the outside angst, the Ravens continue to show faith in their young kicker. They never even brought in another kicker to challenge Loop or the rookie Eckley, so there’s no decision to even ponder for now.

However, it will be interesting to see if they add another kicker to the practice squad and get him ready in case Loop falters. Loop’s status is suddenly the team’s biggest story heading into cutdown day after he missed 2 of 4 attempts in the preseason finale.

Lando Norris says signing a new contract that will keep him at McLaren until at least the end of 2030 was “quite an easy yes for me”.

The world champion, whose new deal was announced on Saturday, said he “didn’t even have a look” at other teams before deciding to commit his future to the team he has been with since his Formula 1 debut in 2019.

“There was some interest from elsewhere,” Norris said in an interview with BBC Sport, “but I don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t want to be with another team. I don’t want to spend time with other people.

“That’s why it really was probably one of the easiest decisions I’ve made since being in Formula 1.”

The Briton had no need to rush his decision to commit to McLaren because his existing contract still had more than a year to run.

But he says the idea “became a topic of conversation over the last four months or so, but very loosely in the background” and he had no hesitation in agreeing.

Norris says his loyalty to McLaren is based on the relationships he has within the team – starting with chief executive officer Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella – and their shared history.

After Norris made his F1 debut in 2019, they spent several years struggling for competitiveness, before their form turned around quickly after Stella was promoted at the end of 2022.

The team won consecutive constructors’ championships in 2024 and 2025 – ending a drought that went back to 1998 – and the drivers’ title for Norris last year.

The 26-year-old said: “The fact I stuck it through with them and then we went on to obviously have success certainly makes me feel like I don’t want to… they didn’t give up on me and I didn’t give up on them.

“That just creates a very strong bond between everyone that works here. I want to believe that bond stays as strong as it is now ’til I do retire in my career at Formula 1.

“I know that’s a long, long way away and I don’t want to think of it. But I believe we’re in the best place we’ve ever been even with a tough start to the season. And I believe that we can fight through anything together for sure.”

Lando Norris has signed a new long-term contract extension with McLaren that will keep him with the Formula 1 team until at least the end of 2030.

Norris, 26, announced the news at McLaren’s annual family and friends open day on Saturday morning at its factory in Woking, UK, committing his future to the team with which he has spent his entire F1 career.

The British driver won his first F1 world title last year, ending McLaren’s 17-year wait for a drivers’ championship after beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by two points in the final standings.

Although Norris was still under contract at McLaren for next year, having signed his most recent long-term deal in early 2024, the announcement locks him in at the team for at least another four years.

Beyond the initial commitment that runs to the end of the 2030 season, McLaren also stated there was a multi-year option to extend beyond that date as part of the agreement.

The team also revealed as part of the contract announcement that Norris will be gifted his championship-winning MCL39 car from the 2025 season.

“McLaren is my home, and I’m very pleased to be signing a new contract to keep me with the team until at least 2030,” Norris said in a statement.

“When I started this journey nine years ago, I was clear about the goals I wanted to achieve: to get McLaren back to the front and to win championships. We’ve achieved that goal, but we want more, we want to keep on winning, and we know as a team that we’re capable of achieving it.”

Norris joined McLaren’s young driver academy in 2017 before joining its F1 line-up two years later, making his grand prix debut at the age of 19.

He scored his first F1 race win at Miami in 2024 before helping McLaren win that year’s constructors’ championship, the team’s first in 26 years, and finishing as runner-up to Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.

2025 brought Norris seven victories en route to last year’s drivers’ title, overcoming both Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to clinch the championship at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Norris lies fourth in this year’s drivers’ standings, and has won the last two races in Hungary and the Netherlands.

A deal worthy of a world champion

Analysis by Luke Smith, Senior Writer, F1

There’s never been any doubt over Norris’s future with McLaren. As he said, the team is his home. It’s all he’s known in F1, and, importantly, has led him to realize his life dream of becoming world champion.

But this deal is a big show of faith from both Norris and McLaren in one another, keeping them together for at least another four years with an option to extend beyond that. Norris clearly views it as the place to be and McLaren has total confidence in him continuing to progress.

After his Dutch Grand Prix win last weekend, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said Norris was getting “stronger and stronger race by race,” and consistently producing performances befitting a world champion.

Norris ended McLaren’s 17-year wait for a drivers’ world champion (Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images)

The new contract also takes Norris out of any conversation around driver market movements in the coming years. Verstappen, who was linked with McLaren earlier this year, announced his own extension through to 2030 at Red Bull at the Dutch Grand Prix, putting the two drivers in sync.

It also serves as further stability for the setup at McLaren that has evolved the team into a back-to-back constructors’ championship winner. Stella and McLaren Racing’s CEO, Zak Brown, also have long-term deals in place, while Piastri’s latest multi-year deal was signed in early 2025 and the Australian has professed faith in realizing his dream of also becoming a world champion at McLaren.

Although the financial particulars of the contract won’t be revealed, it’s likely Norris’s status as a world champion has been reflected in his extended deal. The gifting of his McLaren car from last year is significant, given most teams tend to retain ownership of their models from each year.

Norris may not have had the car to challenge for the world championship from the very first race this year, the early part of the season instead being dominated by Mercedes, but his performances through 2026 have arguably been even better than last year.

There was never any reason for him to consider a move away from McLaren. But now Norris has the contract, commitment and, importantly, stability all set for the next chapter of his career.