Norris joins the programme following Stoffel Vandoorne’s successful graduation to a Formula 1 race seat for the 2017 season alongside Fernando Alonso.
The Somerset-based 17 year-old will be hoping to replicate Vandoorne’s progression following a fantastic 2016 for Norris in which he won Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Formula Renault 2.0 NEC and Toyota Racing Series.
McLaren-Honda’s Young Driver Programme will offer Norris focused and personal guidance in every aspect of his craft. To maintain peak physical and cognitive performance throughout the season, all members of the McLaren-Honda Young Driver Programme benefit from the McLaren Applied Technologies Human Performance Programme, led by Dr Adam Hill. As part of that Programme, drivers also receive data-driven training support from the in-house Human Performance team.
It’s a great opportunity for Norris, with McLaren playing a decisive role in building the careers of many stellar talents, both via the Young Driver Programme and via its ongoing support of the annual and prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award – an award which the youngster also won in 2016.
“It’s definitely a step towards my dream of being in Formula 1. The facilities at McLaren are fantastic. I’ll be using the same simulator, the same gym, as some of the greatest F1 drivers in recent years.” Norris told McLaren.com.
“The team also has a lot of data that will be really valuable for me to compare myself with other drivers who have come through. I’ll know what level I need to be at to drive in F1 – so if that chance comes, I’ll be fit and ready to jump in straight away.”
Norris will compete at European level this year for Carlin in the European F3 – the category in which Max Verstappen shot to fame before graduating to F1.
