Max Verstappen is in a league of his own right now. Breaking records every time he steps into his RB19, he’s becoming one of the greatest drivers to have raced in Formula 1. Considering the record haul he’s amassed this season alone, who’d voluntarily want to team up with the soon-to-be three-time champion? The answer is Lando Norris. Despite Verstappen’s reputation of leaving his teammates to pick up the scraps, the Brit is up for the challenge. 

During the Italian GP, Norris said, “[Partnering Max is] definitely something I would be open to in the future. I can happily say Max is probably one of the best drivers ever in the history of F1.” By saying this, has he made himself the bad guy in front of the team he calls home?

Lando Norris’ comments inadvertently made Oscar Piastri the scapegoat

As soon as he joined the team in 2019, McLaren knew it would want to keep Norris in Woking for as long as possible. Currently, he’s contracted to McLaren until the end of 2025. Despite this commitment, the comments about an interest in partnering Verstappen have become quite frequent recently. This brought up these questions: Where does he see himself? Is McLaren where he wants to be?

On the F1 Nation Podcast, F1 journalist Tom Clarkson said, “The only interesting thing that came out of Monza with regards to Lando Norris was him publicly saying, ‘I would like to be Max Verstappen’s teammate.’ Does that mean he’s going to Red Bull? Does that mean he wants Max to come to McLaren? In which case, Oscar Piastri—there’s no room for him at McLaren.” Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, has been making waves since he joined F1 this season. Considering how well he’s doing, especially against Norris, McLaren has no intention of parting ways with him. But is that what Norris wants?

Read More: “Lando Should Be Careful What He Wishes For”: Verstappen’s Robotic Dominance Dubbed a Caution for Ambitious Norris

When Norris made this statement, he said, “I invited him to McLaren the other day. So, if he wants to come any time, he’s very welcome.” That would mean taking Piastri’s place. Voicing these thoughts, Clarkson added, “I just thought it was an interesting comment to make and one that was only going to set the cat among the pigeons, really. I’d love to know what Lando was thinking saying that.” Despite his interest in teaming up with Verstappen (and somewhat antagonizing McLaren in the process), he’s also ensured that McLaren doesn’t need to hold its breath regarding his future.

Lando Norris reassured McLaren about his commitment to the team

Norris has race-winning potential, but McLaren doesn’t yet. Red Bull obviously does, which would make the pull from Milton-Keynes quite enticing. Verstappen even said, “[Lando] is one of the best drivers out there at the moment. For sure, it would be very interesting to team up with each other. But, at the moment [because of his contract], of course, that’s not possible.” Speaking to Speedcafe amidst the switch rumors, Norris addressed his McLaren future. 

He said, “My future, so I’ve got two and a half years with McLaren. I’m still giving everything I can. With all these extra people coming in, I’m also excited for the future in what they can bring. I tend not to look at the future, like the far future, too much because the near future is exciting.” With McLaren having started the season on the wrong foot, his future wouldn’t have looked too certain. But after its 2023 turnaround, things have been looking up for the Woking team. It’s clear Norris sees potential in McLaren, enough to put his trust in it at least until 2025. 

Watch This Story: How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren

Do you feel Lando Norris might consider a move to Red Bull before 2026? Or can McLaren give him all he wants in the next two years? The question remains, though. Will McLaren want to put its faith in him after the Red Bull rumors, which might’ve raised apparent trust issues?