The young Brit has long resisted the idea of joining other F1 drivers in the tax haven of Monaco, despite the clear economic benefits, by staying close to McLaren’s Woking headquarters.
But, after establishing himself at a high level in Formula 1 this year and extending his contract with McLaren earlier this year, Lando Norris thinks the right opportunity has come for a change.
“It’s something a lot of riders have done and, as racing is like, we have seen that things can change quickly. I have to look after my things for my future,” said Norris.
Monaco has become the home of a number of his colleagues, including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo.
Norris said that while at the beginning of his career it was essential for him to stay close to McLaren, now he thinks he is at a stage where he can afford to be even more at a distance.
“There was a lot more for me and my career to be gained by staying close to McLaren, being able to go to the factory when I wanted to,” he explained. “Whenever I had a bad weekend, I could just go to the simulator at any time, talk to my engineers, and so on. Then I love England. It’s still my favorite place.”
“My family is there, my friends are there. And I think I’ve said many times that, for me, having fun and enjoying what I’m doing takes priority for these kinds of decisions. So it’s not an easy choice. . And it’s not something I’ve been thinking about for years. “
“I feel I am in a comfortable position to make this decision and move there. I can still see many of my friends and my family will be coming there too.”
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“So many things will stay exactly the same. It’s just that I’ll be in a different place. Maybe I won’t be able to play as much golf and that’s probably the biggest drawback. But there are a couple of places nearby where I can go to play. Not. it’s an easy decision, but it’s a life choice and some things will change with it. “
Norris does not hide the financial motivation behind his move, so he is aware that he could also receive criticism for it.
“Of course, I’ll understand if there is any criticism,” he said. “But people do a lot of things in life for money. This is just another one.”
However, the online connection with his fans will remain unchanged: “I can still stream on Twitch and other things,” he said. “My interaction with fans isn’t going to change at all. Max (Verstappen) has done a few streams too, so that’s not going to change.”
“I think that everything I do in my daily life will be exactly the same. The number of days I go to McLaren, in fact, maybe even more as the new regulation arrives.
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