Last Updated on December 8 2023, 7:57 am

Lando Norris, the talented McLaren driver, continues to face persistent rumours of a possible move to Red Bull Racing, a team currently dominating the Formula One landscape with star driver Max Verstappen. The British driver has had to constantly bat away chat asking if he will be joining his ‘best mate’ Max Verstappen by journalists. Norris makes his demands clear.

Despite the speculation, Norris remains committed to McLaren and is determined to achieve his first F1 victory with the team.

 

Norris’ commitment to McLaren

Lando Norris, who made his McLaren debut five years ago, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the team after signing a contract that will keep him at McLaren until the end of 2025. He believes the team is on the verge of a major breakthrough, citing the arrival of new talent from other teams and the introduction of advanced technology such as the wind tunnel.

Norris is optimistic about the 2024 season and believes McLaren is in its strongest position for a decade.

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Anticipating that elusive first win

Despite not having tasted victory in over 100 F1 races, Norris is confident that his first win is on the horizon, possibly in 2024. He acknowledges the team’s strong finish this year, despite a shaky start, and suggests that a better start to next season could lead to a great year for McLaren.

“It’s going to be next year, and I’m with McLaren next year, I feel like we’re so close,” he said when asked about when that elusive win will come.

“We have a lot more things in place, we’ve got a few new guys who are starting as well, coming from other teams. Now, we’re in the strongest place we’ve been for probably the last 10 years.

“I feel like we’ve got more things to look forward to next year – we’ve finally got the wind tunnel properly going and so many things which are coming together more than ever. If there’s ever a time in my life, over the last five years, I want to be a bit more confident, it’s probably going into 2024.

“But we just need to start the season off well. This year we started off terribly and we’ve still ended up being very, very strong. So if we can start the season a little bit strong, at least, then I think it can be a great year.”

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The Verstappen factor

Max Verstappen’s exceptional form, winning 19 of 22 races last season, sets a high bar for Norris. While Red Bull’s dominance is undeniable, Norris is hopeful of challenging Verstappen and Red Bull, acknowledging that significant improvements will be needed to compete effectively.

 

 

Red Bull move rumoured

While Norris has been linked with a move to Red Bull, he prefers to achieve his ambitions with McLaren. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, has spoken positively of ongoing discussions with Norris, indicating the team’s intention to retain him amid Red Bull’s potential interest.

“We’re certainly having conversations with Lando. They are good conversations, we are happy with how these conversations are going,” said team principal Andrea Stella.

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Norris and Verstappen: A complicated friendship

Norris and Verstappen share a well-known camaraderie, with Verstappen previously describing Norris as his best friend among F1 drivers.

“I get along very well with Lando because he is just himself and normal. He’s my best friend on the starting line-up,” said the three-time world champion

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However, when a journalist recently referred to Verstappen as Norris’ “BFF”, Norris clarified the nature of their relationship, stating that while they respect each other and are friendly, they are not best friends.

“He’s not my best friend. Don’t ever say that again!” replied the McLaren star.

“We respect each other and get along well, are kind of friends, but that’s it. We just have a lot of respect for each other.”

The distinction underlines Norris’ professional approach to his rivals, including Verstappen.

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A future with McLaren

For Norris, the prospect of winning with McLaren is more appealing than a potential move to Red Bull. He acknowledges Red Bull’s phenomenal car and Verstappen’s ability, but believes McLaren has almost everything it needs to be a serious contender.

“Max’s car is phenomenal. As in recent years, Red Bull is doing a fantastic job. If someone wants to catch up with them, that’s a massive step. Max is one of the best drivers, so it’s a difficult combination to beat. But I feel like we have almost everything we need to have a chance,” said Norris.

 

Despite the allure of joining a dominant team like Red Bull, Norris’ loyalty and aspirations lie with McLaren, where he sees a promising future.

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Bottom line

Lando Norris’ Formula One journey is at a crucial stage. Amid rumours and speculation of a possible move to Red Bull, his commitment to McLaren is clear.

With a focus on achieving his first F1 win and challenging the dominance of teams like Red Bull, Norris’ progress over the coming seasons will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. But could that win ever come staying at McLaren?

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