Rising British racer Lando Norris will contest the full FIA Formula 3 European Championship season in 2017 with Carlin.
Norris, 17, was one of the most successful young drivers on the European junior racing scene in 2016, claiming both the Formula Renault NEC and Eurocup 2.0 titles as well as the Toyota Racing Series crown in New Zealand.
The Briton is set to enjoy his first Formula 1 test with McLaren next year after winning the McLaren BRDC Autosport Award earlier this month.
Norris’ primary focus through 2017 will be the FIA F3 series that has recently helped to launch the careers of Max Verstappen, Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll, all of whom will race in F1 next year.
On Thursday, Norris confirmed that he would be continuing his partnership with British racing team Carlin through 2017, setting his sights on the FIA F3 title in his first full season, having enjoyed three races in the series this year.
“I’m very excited to be joining Carlin and can’t wait to contest the FIA Formula 3 European Championship,” Norris said.
“My aim is simple and the same as at the start of every season: I want to win the championship title outright. Although it’s my ‘rookie’ F3 season, I’m totally confident with the package, the team and Volkswagen.
“The competition will be tough, it’s an ultra-competitive series, of that there is no doubt. Many of the drivers I’m up against will be in at least their second year in the category so will have a lot of F3 experience on the tracks we’ll be racing on.
“There will be a couple of circuits totally new to me but this year in Renault I learnt them quickly. If, in my first year, the outright F3 title is not within my grasp, it won’t be for the want of trying and then winning the ‘rookie’ title is an absolute must.”
Team owner Trevor Carlin added: “We are very pleased and proud that Lando and his management have chosen to stay with the team for a third season, and I’d like to thank them for the trust they’ve placed in our FIA F3 team after two very promising outings in Hockenheim and Macau.
“Lando is an incredibly exciting young driver and has already shown in his short career his talent, dedication and work ethic. We very much look forward to working with him again in 2017 and showing what we can achieve together in FIA F3.”