McLaren? Toro Rosso? Norris decides...

Lando Norris says he would prefer to remain with McLaren in 2019, whether he is handed a race seat in Formula 1 or not. Toro Rosso made an attempt to loan Norris earlier this season and he has been linked to the team for 2019 in a move that could grease the wheels of technical director James Key's switch to Woking.

McLaren academy driver Norris has built a fearsome reputation at just 18 years old and began 2018 as a favourite for the Formula 2 title, having won European F3 last year. He made the perfect start, winning the opening race of the season, however he has slipped off the pace of Mercedes junior George Russell in recent weeks.

McLaren recently announced a deal to bring in Toro Rosso technical chief key, although Red Bull bosses have resisted releasing him from his long-term contract - Norris moving in the opposite direction may help things along, as they seek a replacement for Brendon Hartley.

Although Carlos Sainz Jr is a reported McLaren target, a seat could still open up if Fernando Alonso leaves - something Norris is all too aware of.

"Of course I could see it, I would like to see it, that I could just be in Formula 1. But I don't think that's still the way to go," Norris said of potential moves elsewhere.

"I think ideally I'd be with McLaren next year. That's the perfect situation, but it's not up for me to decide, it's up to the bosses and Fernando and whoever makes all the decisions.

Back home and what’a great couple of days. Our run plan was all about getting as much information out, so I didn’t really get to push it that hard. I still ended as the fastest guy of the test… on softs ???????? Thanks again @McLarenF1 ????????? #BudaTest #F1 pic.twitter.com/F19SGY65M1 — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) August 2, 2018

"I just have to focus on Formula 2, doing the best job I can in that, hopefully winning as that's the best thing I can do, having good days like [the Hungary test] just to try and persuade it more my way, but until then I just have to keep my head down."

Alonso's 2019 switch could be crucial in deciding Norris' future. The two-time world champion is not guaranteed to remain in F1, with a mooted switch to IndyCar giving him the chance to secure the 'Triple Crown'.

If Alonso stays, it could mean that Norris' F1 outings are limited to practice sessions, but it is an opportunity that the teenager could accept.

"It's very difficult to say, especially being in the situation we are right now with no-one really knowing what Fernando wants to do next year," Norris said.

"Obviously it'd be very nice to be in Formula 1, but at the same time staying with McLaren, maybe it's better to be saying: 'I want to be doing these FP1s, have more opportunities to drive in Formula 1', if there is confirmation that I might be offered a seat in 2020, maybe that's a better opportunity and a situation to be in."