Lando Norris this week addressed speculation about a possible move by Max Verstappen to McLaren. The British pilot considered the reports “something great” to hear, although he clarified that he does not give them real weight.
“It’s a great thing, it’s a good thing that a four-time world champion wants to join and wants to potentially join the team,” Norris said Thursday, before the British Grand Prix. “I don’t know how much of that is true, but it’s kind of cool… It’s not something for now. It’s not something serious.”
Rumors emerged last week when media outlets such as Sky Sports indicated that Verstappen’s representatives requested a meeting with McLaren in Austria. The Dutch driver, still under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has not commented on the matter. It is known that his contract includes possible exit clauses.
No immediate movement
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, was forceful on the Up To Speed podcast: he stated that Norris and Oscar Piastri “are not going anywhere.” I would only consider Verstappen if there was a vacancy, which is not currently the case.
Norris also expressed his confidence in facing any rival, including Verstappen.
“I think I can beat any driver. What makes Max so incredible is his consistency throughout a season. Having the opportunity to compete with him, with Lewis (Hamilton) or Fernando (Alonso) would be great. I’m excited for what comes in the future,” he added.
Mercedes, another team that showed interest in Verstappen, has ruled out moves for now. Toto Wolff confirmed that he will keep George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, the current McLaren duo remains in the spotlight, with Norris and Piastri working together long-term.
For now, the rumor remains just that: a rumor. Verstappen could even consider leaving F1, as he has suggested before. But at McLaren, the plan remains firm with its current drivers.
