McLaren appear certain to retain Norris and Sainz for 2021 Formula 1 season

McLaren appears certain to retain Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz for the 2021 Formula 1 season, with team principal Andreas Seidl reiterating the duo are seen as "the future" of the team.

McLaren was pro-active last year by extending the contracts of Norris and Sainz in early July, just a few months after the pairing had joined forces, following strong starts to the season.

Both drivers continued to deliver over the second half of the campaign, and throughout the current lockdown period have been prominent in promoting the team, Norris, in particular, through his involvement in esports.

With both drivers out of contract at the end of this year, asked whether the delayed start to the season was impacting McLaren's driver line-up decision for 2021, team principal Andreas Seidl said: "Our position hasn't really changed, or the way we want to approach that. We clearly see the future, within McLaren, with Carlos and Lando.

"Of course, we would like to get some races under the belt now, and then to sit together finally and make decisions from both sides, but I don't think that is a big issue at the moment."

Seidl has been especially impressed with Norris' esports activities - as well as shaving his head to raise money for charity.

"With regard to esports, I have to admit I'm a bit of an old-style racer, and I don't follow it that much," added Seidl.

"I only read on the internet from time to time what these guys are doing - and that some are cutting their hair for various reasons!

"But at the same time, it's great to see all the initiatives Lando is doing, together with McLaren as well. It's great to see we are reaching newer audiences with what Lando is doing, through esports, in this period without real races, and great for the Formula 1 fans to follow that."

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