Photo: Zak Mauger/LAT Images
Lando Norris will act as test and reserve driver for the McLaren Formula 1 team next year, with his increased role within the team starting at this weekend?s Brazilian Grand Prix.
As reserve he will attend most most grands prix, drive for the team in testing and continue the work he undertakes as the team?s official simulator driver.
?I?m so excited to be joining McLaren as test and reserve driver for 2018,? said the European Formula 3 champion.
?The last 12 months have been an incredible journey for me ? I?ve enjoyed every single minute ? and this is just an amazing way to bring the year to an end.?
Norris is set to drive the McLaren MCL32 in a Pirelli tyre test at Interlagos next Tuesday after the Brazilian GP.
The logistics of this means he will miss the first free practice session for the following weekend?s Macau Grand Prix on Thursday morning and only arrive just in time for first qualifying, according to Autosport.
?I?m really looking forward to helping the team, starting next week with the tyre test at Interlagos, and I will work harder than ever to learn and develop across the next year. I have two excellent teachers in Fernando and Stoffel, and I will do my best to help with the team?s efforts to get back to the front.
?I?m still working hard to finalise my own racing programme for 2018 ? we?re close on a number of different fronts, but not quite there yet. I hope to be able to announce something shortly.?
Norris is likely to step up to Formula 2 next year, but a planned move to the Prema team was reportedly vetoed by team stakeholder Lawrence Stroll.
He has also been linked to ART Grand Prix and DAMS, as well as his F3 team Carlin.