Lando Norris believes that the departure of four‑time world champion Max Verstappen would be felt keenly by his fellow competitors and by Formula 1 as a whole, yet he is confident the Dutch driver will "stay longer than people say". Norris' comments came during a McLaren media session where he and teammate Oscar Piastri, both of whom challenged Verstappen for the title last season, were asked to weigh in on the Red Bull star's future.
Verstappen's outlook beyond the current campaign remains uncertain. He has been openly critical of the 2026 regulations and has expressed dissatisfaction with the way the current cars must be driven ahead of the upcoming technical tweaks that are set to roll out from next week’s Miami Grand Prix. The new rule package, which will introduce a 50‑50 split between internal‑combustion power and electric assistance, has sparked debate among drivers about its impact on performance and driving style. During the interview, Norris said: "Max has earned the right to decide what he wants to do.
He’s already taken home four world titles, and he’s always been the kind of person who speaks his mind, whether people agree with him or not. He stays true to himself, and I think that’s a great way to live." He went on to stress how much the sport would lose if Verstappen ever chose to retire now: "It would be a massive loss for Formula 1, because he is arguably one of the best drivers we have ever seen. It would also be a personal disappointment for us.
Even though he makes our lives incredibly tough on the track, racing against a four‑time champion is always a thrill. You want to test yourself against the best, and Max certainly fits that description." Norris also touched on the mixed feelings surrounding the new 2026 cars. He noted that newcomers often rave about the fresh machinery, saying, "When the rookies see the new cars they’re like, ‘These cars are amazing!’" By contrast, veterans who have spent years mastering the previous generation find the transition more challenging because they have a benchmark to compare against.
"Everyone’s experience will be relative," Norris added. "But I’m hopeful the situation improves as teams get more data and the cars evolve." He concluded on an optimistic note, referencing a recent comment from Verstappen himself: "He apparently said he wants to chase a fifth world title right now, so I’m sure he’ll stick around longer than most people expect." Oscar Piastri echoed a similar sentiment.
"Losing Max would be a shame for the sport, especially at this stage of his career," the Australian said. "We drivers thrive on competing against the best, and Max has set the benchmark for the last five or six years.
It would be a huge blow to the whole paddock if he were to leave now." The discussion about Verstappen's future intensified after news broke that his long‑time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren in 2028, once his Red Bull contract expires. Lambiase has been a key figure in Verstappen’s success, and his impending move has added another layer of speculation about where the Dutchman might end up. Verstappen’s current agreement with Red Bull runs through the end of the 2028 season, but it contains performance‑related clauses that could allow an early exit if certain targets are not met. Should he decide to move on, Mercedes has long been viewed as the most plausible destination, given the ongoing talks between the two parties over the past two years.
The question now is whether McLaren, having secured Lambiase, could become a more attractive option for Verstappen. When Sky Sports News asked McLaren chief executive Zak Brown about the possibility, he replied: "From McLaren’s perspective, I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar. We have long‑term contracts with both of them and they form the best driver pairing on and off the track. We have no intention of replacing either of our superstars.
If one of them were to leave, Max would be a massive talent, but I’m not expecting that to happen." Brown was asked where he thought Verstappen might go if he left Red Bull. "If I had to bet, I’d say Mercedes," he said.
Regarding Lambiase’s move before 2028, Brown added, "There’s always a chance, but he has a contract and we’ll respect that. Red Bull will need to find a solution, and if it aligns, we’re open to dialogue. However, we’re prepared to wait until 2028 if that’s what ends up happening." The upcoming Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 1‑3, will be the second sprint weekend of the season and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The event will serve as an early test of the new 2026 regulations, offering drivers and teams a glimpse of how the hybrid power units will perform under race conditions. As the sport navigates this transitional period, the conversation around Verstappen’s longevity continues to dominate headlines, with many experts agreeing that his talent and competitive spirit make him a valuable asset for any team willing to secure his services.
In summary, while there is genuine uncertainty about Max Verstappen’s plans beyond 2028, the consensus among his peers—particularly Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri—is that he will likely remain in Formula 1 longer than the public anticipates. Their remarks underscore both the respect they have for his achievements and the desire to continue racing against a driver of his caliber. Whether he stays with Red Bull, moves to Mercedes, or perhaps even joins McLaren in the future, Verstappen’s presence will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative of modern Formula 1 for years to come.