Max Verstappen on Unsolvable Issue for Red Bull as Future Prospect Lando Norris Given Fair Warning

The older generation of F1 drivers is fading out, with only a few of them remaining. This includes the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. The time has now come for the newer generation to shine. So far, leading the latter group is Max Verstappen with his two titles, followed by the rest, including the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While there are several others, only Max has been able to showcase his capability and prove his mettle. He went head-to-head against the mighty Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton in 2021. So, can he accept anyone dominating alongside him as a teammate? Evidently, no, as we have seen with the cases of Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon. Lando Norris, for example, did not join the Milton Keynes team and instead chose to stay with McLaren until 2025, for the very same reason as others left.

Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 24, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race alongside third place McLaren’s Lando Norris and second place Red Bull’s Sergio Perez REUTERS/ Jennifer Lorenzini

Reportedly, Red Bull was in touch with Lando to bring him in as a second driver, but the talks failed. And Tom Coronel believes it was for the better. When asked if Lando should’ve joined Red Bull, the former driver, as quoted by the Mirror from Formule1.nl, said, “Whether he should sit next to Max? No. Then he will get the same as all those others. Besides Max, your career just ends. It was wise of Norris not to go to Red Bull. It is better to wait for another opportunity. He actually does that now,” criticizing McLaren in the same comment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

McLaren, unlike in previous decades, now struggles to stay in the middle of the pack. With Andreas Seidl, the man behind the recent consistency and success, gone, the team might have bigger challenges this year than it had last year.

Zak Brown on the commitment of Lando Norris to the team

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Zak Brown must’ve had a hard time convincing Lando Norris to sign a contract, and that too was so long. But nevertheless, he was successful at it, as he convinced the Briton about the project.

MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Second placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren F1 celebrates with McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown and McLaren Team Principal Andreas Seidl after the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Hey said, “I’m convinced we’re going to give him a winning car. We have a long-term contract with him. I think he feels very comfortable within the team. Other than obviously the pressure we put on ourselves, because we don’t want to just give him a winning car. We want to give us a winning car.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: After Recent Breakup With Ex-girlfriend Luisinha, Lando Norris Takes His New “Bae” for a Drive

Now it all rests with McLaren on how they can keep the hot British talent with them or if they lose him early to a contract that buys out the clause because that will certainly always be an opportunity during a season.