Norris: There is no team other than McLaren where I want to compete.

      At McLaren, they chose a very opportune moment to announce Lando Norris's new contract, the reigning world champion, as today is an "open house" day at the team's base in Woking, where families and friends of employees can visit the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC).

      Therefore, today, according to estimates from the team's press service, about 1500 people gathered there, and some of them might have guessed what news Lando would announce at this general meeting, while for others it was quite a pleasant surprise.

      Already on Saturday afternoon, a 3-minute video report appeared on the team's social media pages, telling how everything went, and here are the most curious moments.

      When Lando was introduced to the script for his public appearance, he jokingly said with a completely serious face, “...And then I will tell everyone that I am retiring.”

      “Yes, that you are retiring,” chimed in a press service employee who remained off-camera. “Or that you are staying with the team for many more years.”

      When Lando appeared on the upper tier of the spacious MTC foyer, which is called The Boulevard, the gathered crowd greeted him with applause – probably initially just as the winner of the previous two Grands Prix. Then he went down and spoke these words from the stage:

      “This is one of those days when we can literally bring everyone together, and I am very happy to be here with you!”

      The meeting host hinted, “It seems you are about to make a special announcement?”

      “– Today? Right now? – Lando replied with a cheerful smile, after which he indeed did what he had warned. – Oh, I am retiring.”

      Judging by the explosion of laughter that the reigning world champion heard in response, no one believed him.

      “No, actually the world is not aware yet, and I am announcing it for the first time – in general, I am staying at McLaren,” Norris said. “I am staying for another four years.”

      After which a real ovation echoed under the arches of the MTC.

      “So I will be racing until 2030, when I will also be older and over 30,” continued the driver, who will turn 27 on November 13. “But there is no other team besides McLaren that I would like to race for – I say this now, but it will be true for at least the next four and a half years.

      So I happily call this place my home, and all of you my family, and I want to stay with you for many more years.”

      After which he took a selfie, trying to capture as many people as possible in the frame, and then suggested everyone thank the entire team with applause for its tireless pursuit of victories.