Lando Norris offered Toro Rosso seat only to be declined by McLaren

McLaren’s test and reserve driver Lando Norris has reportedly been approached by Toro Rosso to replace Brendon Hartley. McLaren have rejected the ‘loan’ move, but Norris revealed he was “flattered” to hear the reports.

Helmut Marko has been rumoured to be looking for a replacement after Hartley’s struggling start to his F1 career. Many drivers have been thrown into the rumour replacement mill, but Norris is the only driver to have reportedly received an offer.

“I’m flattered by the stories,” said Norris with an interview on F1i.

British 18-year-old Norris currently leads the F2 championship after four rounds, eight races. He is believed to be lined up to replace Fernando Alonso in the McLaren seat. And McLaren went on to confirm they’re not surprised about the interest in their driver.

“We are not surprised that other teams approach our drivers, they clearly believe they are as talented as we do,” said a McLaren representative.