Lando Norris to Equal McLaren Race Start Record in Las Vegas
Lando Norris is poised to equal David Coulthard's record of 150 race starts for McLaren at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. At just 26, this milestone highlights Norris's significant journey from a promising rookie to a leading contender, having already surpassed McLaren legends like Hakkinen and Button this season. With his contract extending to 2027 and a strong championship bid underway in 2025, Norris is set to further etch his name in McLaren's history.
Lando Norris is set to equal David Coulthard's all-time McLaren record for most race starts at the Las Vegas GP, marking his 150th appearance for the team. This milestone comes as Norris, at just 26, continues to climb the ranks of McLaren legends, having already surpassed Mika Hakkinen and Jenson Button this season. With his contract extending until 2027, Norris is poised to set a new, long-standing record.
Why it matters:
- Norris's consistent presence and escalating performance are pivotal for McLaren's renewed championship aspirations. Equalling Coulthard's record underscores his dedication and long-term commitment to the team, a rarity in modern F1.
- This achievement highlights his journey from a promising junior to a team leader and race winner, significantly impacting McLaren's competitive trajectory.
The details:
- Milestone Match: The Las Vegas GP will be Norris's 150th race start for McLaren, equalling David Coulthard's record (1996-2004).
- Historical Context: Coulthard secured 12 wins for McLaren during his 150 starts. Norris, with four wins in 2024 and seven in 2025, now boasts 11 wins.
- Surpassing Legends: This season, Norris has already surpassed Mika Hakkinen (131 starts) and Jenson Button (136 starts) in McLaren race appearances.
- Early Career: Joining McLaren's junior program in 2017, Norris debuted in F1 in 2019 at age 19, finishing P11 in his rookie season.
- Breakthrough Seasons:
- 2020: Achieved his first F1 podium in Austria.
- 2021: Secured his first pole position in Russia.
- Team Leadership: By 2023, Norris emerged as a team leader alongside Oscar Piastri, contributing to a strong second half of the season for McLaren.
- Championship Contention:
- 2024: Secured his maiden F1 win in Miami and finished runner-up in the Drivers' Championship with four victories.
- 2025: Currently leads the championship by 24 points with seven wins and 17 podiums, aiming to bring McLaren its first Drivers' Title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
- Record-Breaking Wins: Norris holds a unique record, winning his first 11 F1 races at 11 different circuits, surpassing Michael Schumacher's 30-year-old record of 10 different circuits.
What's next:
- With his contract secured until 2027, Norris is set to extend his record for McLaren race starts, solidifying his legacy with the Woking team.
- His ongoing championship battle in 2025 positions him to potentially bring McLaren their first Drivers' Championship in over 15 years, further cementing his place in the team's history books.