Latest Episode | Cut To The Race Podcast
Lando Norris has directly addressed the growing rumours linking him to the second Red Bull seat in the coming seasons.
Max Verstappen congratulates Lando Norris on qualifying P2 at Zandvoort (Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images)Norris is currently one of F1’s most sought-after drivers. He has outperformed a McLaren car that, at the start of the season, proved to be one of the least competitive on the grid. The opening races only yielded P17 finishes.
Since the introduction of McLaren’s upgrades in Austria, Norris has seen a string of competitive results as McLaren bounced back from its difficult start. Two consecutive podiums, including P2 at his home race at Silverstone, have seen him jump up the rankings. Norris now lies P8 in the standings, thirty points behind George Russell.
Despite struggles in the last two races, Norris has clear momentum. This has seen him linked to the second Red Bull seat as Sergio Perez continues to struggle. Recent controversial comments by Helmut Marko criticising the under pressure Perez only add fuel to the existing fire.
Is Norris interested?
As rumours of Red Bull’s interest in the British driver continue circulating, Norris has now given his thoughts on the record. Speaking to formula1.com, Norris revealed that he never raced against the dominant Verstappen in junior formulas but admitted that he is “open” to the idea:
“It’s definitely something I would be open to in the future.
“I think I can happily say Max is probably one of the best drivers ever in the history of F1. I never raced against him until I was in F1, but I was always in the category below.”
Praising Verstappen from when he first met him, Norris stated he believes Verstappen will perform at his current level ” no matter what car he’s in”. In karting I already knew him reasonably well. Back in 2012-2013 was the first time I got to meet him and get to know him, so I’ve been able to witness what he’s doing and I think it’s not just that he’s in a good car and he’s able to perform.”
“I think no matter what car he’s in, he’ll be able to perform at a similar level. Maybe with different results, but at a similar level, and I think at that point it’d be great to work alongside someone like that. At the same time, to see where I can really stand against him. I’d be open to it.”
Norris then cheekily said Verstappen is welcome ” any time” at the McLaren Technology Centre: “I invited him to McLaren the other day. So, if he wants to come any time, he’s very welcome.”
Horner coy on Red Bull interest
With Helmut Marko revealing Red Bull lost the chance to have Norris in a Toro Rosso in 2019, Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner also praised the Briton’s achievements this season. Confirming that no seat is available for 2024, he was coy on whether Norris is on the 2025 shortlist:
“Look, Lando is a great driver, there’s no doubt about that, and you can see his potential is growing, but he’s a McLaren driver, you have to respect the agreements that are in place,” said Horner. “But he’s one of a few drivers at the moment that… He’s doing a great job in the sport.”
“Of course, we have our drivers confirmed for ’24. In ’25 we have one seat open and, as you can imagine, there’s not a shortage of interest in that seat, but it’s a long way away at the moment.”
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images
