Lando Norris showed interest in being partner to Max Verstappen in future as both weigh in along with Christian Horner.
Verstappen at Red Bull and Norris at McLaren are both tied into long contracts at their respective teams. They are not only good drivers but also good friends off the track and they have often talked about the possibility of partnering each other as teammates in the future as they have never been together in their career.
It is an interesting scenario but the question is could it happen? Both are tied up at their respective teams with Verstappen going longer than Norris. But it hasn’t deterred the Brit to be open about teaming up if the situation arises anytime. “It’s definitely something I would be open to in the future,” said the McLaren driver.
“I think I can happily say Max is probably one of the best drivers ever in the history of Formula 1. I never raced against him until I was in Formula 1 but I was always in the category below. 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 and, at the same time, see where I can really stand against him. I’d be open to it. I invited him to McLaren the other day. So, if he wants to come any time, he’s very welcome,” summed up Norris.
The Brit, as is well known is tied into a long contract at the Woking based outfit until 2025. He may have to wait a long time perhaps and as it is McLaren as a team appear to be in the ascendancy once more however the reigning two-time World Champion gives an amusing reply when speaking to media.\
“I mean he has signed a very long term deal with McLaren some years ago so that was probably not a smart thing to do from his side,” said Verstappen. “But we have a good relationship, we get on very well and I know he is one of the best drivers out there at the moment and for sure it would be very interesting to team up with each other but at the moment of course that is not possible.”
As a team, Red Bull are confirmed for the 2024 campaign as team boss Horner alludes to when also talking about the Norris Verstappen tie up. “Look, Lando is a great driver, there’s no doubt about that, and you can see his potential is growing,” he said. “But he’s a McLaren driver, you have to respect the agreements that are in place.
“But he’s one of a few drivers at the moment that… He’s doing a great job in the sport and 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,” summed up Horner as McLaren also are firm about Norris with them until 2025.