Norris drops McLaren hint?

Lando Norris teased McLaren fans over a potential switch to the Formula 1 team after Carlos Sainz Jr was confirmed as Fernando Alonso's replacement on Thursday. Academy driver Norris is reportedly vying with Stoffel Vandoorne for the remaining McLaren seat in 2019.

Norris was appointed as test and reserve driver for 2018, as well as entering Formula 2 with Carlin, after sealing the 2017 European Formula 3 championship.

The 18-year-old won the first race of the F2 season and topped the standings for much of the campaign, although he has been overtaken by Mercedes junior George Russell in recent weeks.

READ MORE: Who will McLaren pick for 2019?
READ MORE: McLaren replace Alonso with Sainz

pic.twitter.com/cMqcFic8W3 — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) August 16, 2018

However, Norris has reportedly already come close to an F1 drive in 2017 - Toro Rosso were understood to have had a loan bid rejected earlier in the year as team officials remain unconvinced by Brendon Hartley.

A move to Red Bull's junior team is not out of the question yet. McLaren may well have to offer something to Red Bull in order to secure the release of Toro Rosso technical director James Key.

McLaren announced the signing of Key in July, although Red Bull have refused to sanction his release, owing to the lengthy contract he has been signed to.