Norris, who has spent 2018 as a reserve driver with the team, with two Friday Morning Pratice sessions so far this season while currently sits second in FIA Formula 2 Standings, is stepping up to a race seat alongside Carlos Sainz Jr. for next season, leaving current McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne without a drive going into 2019.
Great News to see Lando Norris stepping up to a full F1 drive at McLaren next season, well earned. I thought Stoffel Vandoorne would retain his drive for another season or driver like Esteban Ocon would have got the drive. Also, rumoured that Toro Rosso wanted Norris for next season, McLaren acted quickly to sign Norris for a full-time driver rather than relinquish him to Toro Rosso for 2019.
So what's next for Vandoorne? There is still seven realistic drives left for the 2019 season, with two at Sauber, two at Toro Rosso, one at Williams, two at Haas. Two at Sauber will likely to retain both Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will likely for next season. The remaining seat at Williams will likely go between Mercedes junior drivers Esteban Ocon and George Russell. The remaining seats at Haas will like to retain both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen for another season.
Vandoorne best bet for a drive would be at Toro Rosso, with Pierre Gasly promoted to the Red Bull next season, uncertainty on if Brendon Hartley will be retain, also no Red Bull Junior drivers looking to be promoted for a few years. Vandoorne might be the only choice for the team, although there are rumours that former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat may return to Formula 1 with his former team Toro Rosso next season if not already signed with the team going into 2019.
Great to see another British driver on the grid for next season with Lando Norris.
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