Lando Norris to Red Bull might be one step closer after McLaren announcement

Lando Norris looking forward to 'different responsibility' as McLaren's senior driver

McLaren star Lando Norris has been linked with a move to Red Bull and refused to rule out the possibility when quizzed about it at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month. Norris’ move to the energy drink giants might now be one step closer after McLaren announced on Wednesday that his team-mate Oscar Piastri had put pen-to-paper on a new contract that runs until the end of 2026.

Norris was given an F1 seat with McLaren in 2019 following a season as their reserve driver. And the 23-year-old has made a huge impression on the big stage courtesy of a series of stellar displays. Two years ago, the talented ace racked-up 160 points to finish the season sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings before backing that-up with 122 points and a seventh-place finish last time around.

Norris has continued to make a name for himself throughout 2023, despite McLaren dropping off the pace, and made his third podium appearance of the season at the weekend as he finished second at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The driver still has two more years to run on his McLaren contract after penning fresh terms last year. But after being asked about a link-up with runaway championship leader Max Verstappen in Monza, Norris said: “It’s definitely something I would be open to in the future.

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“I think I can happily say that Max is probably one of the best drivers ever in the history of Formula 1. I think 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 for it. I mean, I invited him to McLaren the other day so if he wants to come any time he’s very welcome.”

Red Bull have nurtured Verstappen into F1’s dominance force since snapping him up as a 16-year-old in 2014 and clearly have an eye for talent. The Austrian team illustrated their high regard for Norris in July after the star smashed Verstappen’s winner’s trophy at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

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After McLaren took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologise for Norris’ faux pas, Red Bull replied: “We can’t take you anywhere. Glad to have you up there with us though.”

Norris has been tipped to become one of F1’s biggest stars in the coming years but may need to move to a team that can provide him with a winning car to reach the very top of the sport. And the fact Piastri now has a longer contract than Norris might well suggest that McLaren are preparing for their future without the Englishman.

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