Verstappen in talks with McLaren for potential Lando Norris partnership
McLaren is reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with Max Verstappen regarding a potential move to partner Lando Norris. These talks suggest a possible shift for the Red Bull driver, with a scenario emerging where Oscar Piastri could move to Red Bull Racing.
Sources indicate that McLaren aims to create a strong pairing with Verstappen and Norris. While McLaren has denied that such a swap is underway, reports suggest that confidential negotiations could lead to Piastri trading places with Verstappen, potentially as early as next year or in 2028.
Verstappen’s contract situation and potential clauses
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull is set to conclude at the end of the 2028 season. However, his future with the team has been a subject of speculation for some time. There are believed to be release clauses within his contract that could allow him to depart earlier.
One such clause reportedly permits Verstappen to leave Red Bull if he is not ranked within the top two in the drivers’ championship by the summer break. This condition could make it easier for other teams to secure his services, provided a substantial salary is offered, which McLaren is reportedly willing to consider.
The possibility of Verstappen moving to McLaren has been discussed for some time, with some reports suggesting it would be his preferred choice if he were to leave Red Bull. A move to Ferrari appears unlikely, as the team already has Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under contract.
Recent reports also indicate that George Russell will remain at Mercedes, further limiting options for Verstappen at other top teams. This leaves McLaren as a prominent option, despite their public denials of ongoing talks.
Team dynamics and driver movements
The potential move for Verstappen could involve a swap with Oscar Piastri. While McLaren maintains satisfaction with its current drivers, Piastri and Norris, there have been whispers in the paddock that Piastri is exploring his options and might seek to be the undisputed lead driver at a team.
In a related development, McLaren recently signed Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s former race engineer. Lambiase, who left Red Bull in April, is currently on gardening leave and is expected to join McLaren by 2028 at the latest, coinciding with the end of his Red Bull deal.
Verstappen also experienced the departure of Dr Helmut Marko from Red Bull last year, which was seen as a significant blow. These internal changes within Red Bull have contributed to the ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team.
Despite his success, including four F1 world drivers’ titles between 2021 and 2024, Red Bull’s recent form has been described as inconsistent. Verstappen has also expressed reservations about the sport’s move to half-electric engines, comparing it to “Mario Kart.”
The 2026 campaign has presented challenges for Verstappen, who is currently seventh in the standings, 101 points behind the current leader, Antonelli.
Carlos Sainz has also suggested that Verstappen’s Red Bull F1 contract includes special clauses that limit his marketing and media obligations. This allows Verstappen more flexibility compared to other drivers in a demanding 24-race championship season.
The Dutchman’s current deal with Red Bull expires at the end of the 2028 season.
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Source: gpblog.com