If Red Bull at some point turns their interest in Lando Norris into a bid to sign him, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown warned: “There is no number we would be interested in trading him for. “
Norris has become an integral member of the McLaren team since graduating from their academy to their driver line-up in 2019, establishing himself as one of the brightest stars on the Formula 1 grid, and a driver who many believe could challenge for World Championship honours in a capable car.
That’s the goal of the machinery McLaren is looking to supply and towards which it has taken a big step in an impressive 2023 campaign, although the team that secured F1’s name is keeping a close eye on Norris’ situation.
Norris is under contract with McLaren until the end of 2025, but with the possibility of a Red Bull seat open for the start of this season, or perhaps even sooner, Norris has been considered one of Red Bull’s top finishers. He doesn’t hesitate. Far from confirming that he is part of his reflections.
Norris and Red Bull’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen have also commented on the hypothesis and are very open to the concept of becoming long-term teammates.
But, Brown stressed targeting Norris would be pointless as he is priceless to the team.
“He’s a wonderful asset to the racing team,” Brown said of Norris when speaking to Sky Sports F1. “There is no one interested in changing it. “
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Of course, McLaren will have to keep improving; otherwise, Norris could leave them powerless to prevent his exit if he looks elsewhere for 2026 and beyond.
However, Brown remains very calm about the situation and expresses confidence that the team and the driving force will continue “full steam ahead” to regain the days of victories at McLaren.
“We’ve got a little bit more track with [Norris and Oscar Piastri], certainly, he’s [Norris] a star property, so to speak,” Brown said. “That’s why we’d like to lock him up as soon as possible.
“I think he’s really enjoying his time at McLaren. The dream is to win races and a world championship in combination and I think Lando is very much on board with us to achieve that. “
Norris’ beloved teammate Piastri, who is taking part in his second season in F1, has a contract with McLaren until the end of 2026.
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