McLaren driver Lando Norris has been persistent in his partnership with the Surrey-based team since his Formula 1 debut in 2019. Although, he has contemplated his contract with the team in the past but decided to stay as they maintain a friendly relationship regardless of the poor-performing car that Norris was handed. As the 2022 season started, the British driver signed an extension of his current contract with McLaren which will last until the conclusion of 2025.
Given this scenario, former world champion, Nico Rosberg subtly made an arguable comment that the 23-year-old might consider switching teams for the 2024 campaign and the destination would be Red Bull. Rosberg stated, “Where’s he going? Next year already, I hear there’s a switch coming” while conversing with Sky Sports F1 at Monza. The whispers around the paddock regarding the departure were fueled by the German’s commentary.
David Croft believes #RedBull are attracted by Lando Norris’ star power partly because of doubts over Max Verstappen’s longevity 👀
“The more Max says ‘I might not be around after 2028, I might retire early and do other things’, the more Red Bull feel…”#F1 #McLaren #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/zMxSxgPPIT
— McLaren F1 News 🏴🇦🇺 (@TheMcLarenZone) August 25, 2023
As Red Bull’s second driver as described by Sky Sports journalist, Sergio Perez has a sword hanging over his head as he continues with disappointing performances one after another. This is leading to a potential threat to Perez’s permanent spot in the team especially since he wants to keep the partnership for a long time. The threat has intensified considering the fact that his current contract is set to expire as the 2024 season ends with no news of a renewal of the contract.
Will Norris replace Perez in Red Bull?
Considering the terms of both the driver’s contracts, Lando’s switch to Red Bull for the upcoming season is not possible as he is bound to stay at McLaren until 2025. If Perez’s 2024 contract is not renewed, Red Bull may choose to make use of drivers like Daniel Ricciardo for two seasons before seeking Lando Norris in 2026. Undoubtedly, Norris will join a top team in the future, with many people assuming that Red Bull is his preferred outfit.
Zak Brown has made it clear #McLaren won’t release Lando Norris from his contract amidst #RedBull rumours 😁
“Lando will be racing at McLaren through to 2025. Absolutely.”
[via: @Planet_F1]#F1 #Formula1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/TGfs7HW70X
— McLaren F1 News 🏴🇦🇺 (@TheMcLarenZone) September 3, 2023
With the fastest car on the grid, Sergio Perez has to win consistently, especially with Daniel Ricciardo pushing for his position but sadly this is not happening. In looking at prospective competitors to sit alongside Verstappen, Christian Horner has not restricted his options to merely Perez and Ricciardo. Outsiders are also battling it out, and Norris’ past association with Red Bull has sparked Horner’s curiosity about the British driver.
When Sergio’s recent performance was put out in the light, Norris and McLaren pulled off the most incredible comeback in Formula 1 history. The Briton was able to record back-to-back second-place results at Silverstone and Hungary owing to McLaren’s improvements, which brought them from the rear of the field to close to the front.
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