Lando Norris has welcomed the prospect of racing alongside Max Verstappen at McLaren, insisting he would enjoy competing against the four-time world champion if the opportunity ever arose.
His comments come as speculation surrounding Verstappen’s Formula 1 future continues ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, despite both McLaren and Mercedes maintaining that their driver line-ups remain unchanged.
Norris would welcome Verstappen challenge
Speaking ahead of his home race at Silverstone, Norris appeared relaxed when asked about persistent rumours linking Verstappen with McLaren.
“To be honest, a lot of drivers want to go to McLaren. I don’t know why Max is singled out?” Norris said.
The reigning Formula 1 World Champion suggested he would have no concerns about sharing the garage with one of the sport’s biggest names.
“It would be cool if a four-time world champion were to come, even though I don’t know how much of that is true. If the opportunity arises to drive with other drivers, I certainly like that.”
Norris arrives at Silverstone looking to repeat his victory at the circuit last season, although McLaren faces a far tougher competitive landscape in 2026.
Verstappen refuses to fuel transfer speculation
Verstappen has repeatedly been linked with potential moves away from Red Bull, despite being contracted until the end of the 2028 season. Reports have suggested the Dutchman possesses performance-related exit clauses, although neither Verstappen nor Red Bull has confirmed the details publicly.
The four-time world champion once again declined to discuss the speculation.
“I don’t want to comment on it. I’ve said before: if we do something new or different, you’ll hear about it from me and not from someone else. I’m only focused on the job with my team.”
His response follows several weeks of rumours linking him with Mercedes and, more recently, McLaren.
McLaren and Mercedes maintain driver plans
Despite the ongoing speculation, both McLaren and Mercedes have publicly dismissed suggestions that Verstappen could join them for 2027.
McLaren already has Norris under contract until at least the end of 2027, while Oscar Piastri also remains tied to the Woking-based team on a long-term agreement.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown reiterated the team’s position.
“We do have contracts, but even putting the contracts aside: they feel very comfortable here, and we are very happy with them.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff delivered a similarly clear message regarding his own line-up.
“Our plan is not to change the driver lineup,” Wolff explained.
“For us, it’s important that we now have stability.”
Mercedes currently fields championship leader Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell, while Verstappen sits seventh in the drivers’ standings after a difficult start to the 2026 campaign.
Why the rumours refuse to disappear
Although the leading figures continue to deny that a move is imminent, Verstappen’s future remains one of Formula 1’s biggest talking points.
Red Bull’s fluctuating competitiveness under the new 2026 regulations, combined with Mercedes’ apparent resurgence and McLaren’s status as one of the grid’s most desirable destinations, has ensured speculation continues to dominate the paddock.
For now, however, every party involved continues to present the same message: Verstappen remains focused on Red Bull, McLaren is committed to Norris and Piastri, and Mercedes intends to stick with Antonelli and Russell.
Whether those positions remain unchanged beyond 2026 is likely to remain one of Formula 1’s defining stories throughout the remainder of the season.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
