Lando Norris has warned that the departure of Max Verstappen would leave a noticeable void not only among his fellow competitors but also across the entire Formula 1 community. Despite the Dutch driver’s recent comments expressing doubts about the 2026 regulatory changes and his frustration with the current handling characteristics of the cars, Norris is confident that Verstappen will "stay longer than people say" and continue to be a central figure in the sport for years to come.
The conversation about Verstappen’s future came to the fore during a McLaren media day, where both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri – who together challenged the Red Bull star for the championship last season – were asked to weigh in on the possibility of the four‑time world champion hanging up his helmet. Norris began by acknowledging Verstappen’s right to make his own choices: "Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants. He’s won four world championships." He praised the Dutchman’s candour, noting that Verstappen has always been outspoken, whether his opinions are popular or not, and that such honesty reflects a genuine approach to life and racing.
Norris continued, "It would be a shame for the sport, it will be a miss for the sport, if that does happen because he probably is one of the best drivers you’ll see in Formula 1 ever." He added that, despite the difficulty Verstappen brings to his rivals, racing against a driver of his calibre is a privilege. "He’s always good fun to race against and it’s always cool to race against someone that’s won four championships. You always feel like you want to race against the best in the world and he certainly is one of them, so yeah it would be a loss for the sport." When the discussion shifted to the upcoming 2026 technical package – a hybrid system that will split power evenly between a conventional internal‑combustion engine and an electric motor – Norris offered a balanced perspective.
He admitted that opinions on the new cars are often relative to a driver’s experience. "When you see the new guys who come in and this is their first year in Formula 1, everyone is like ‘yeah these cars are sick!’" he said, contrasting that enthusiasm with the viewpoint of veterans who have a benchmark from previous seasons. "For the guys who have driven last year’s cars and for some of the previous ones, of course, we have something to compare against and it’s all kind of relative for everyone." Nevertheless, Norris expressed optimism that the performance of the 2026 machines will improve over time.
He concluded his remarks with a nod to Verstappen’s competitive spirit: "But hopefully things get better and I was just told he said he wants to win a fifth world championship at the minute, so I’m sure he’ll stay longer than people say." Oscar Piastri echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact on the sport. "It would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, you know especially at this point in his career as well. I think it would be a big loss for the sport as a whole," the Australian driver said. He highlighted that drivers thrive on competing against the very best, and Verstappen has set the benchmark for the past five or six years.
"For us as drivers, we want to race against the best and try and prove ourselves against the best and I think Max has shown his calibre in the last 10 years." The conversation about Verstappen’s future intensified a fortnight earlier when it was announced that his long‑time race engineer and trusted confidant, Gianpiero Lambiase, will join McLaren in 2028 after his contract with Red Bull expires. Lambiase’s move has added a new dimension to speculation about where Verstappen might end up if he ever decides to leave Red Bull. Currently, Verstappen’s contract with the Austrian team runs until the end of the 2028 season, though it contains performance‑related clauses that could allow an early exit should certain targets not be met. Historically, Mercedes has been viewed as the most likely destination for Verstappen should he part ways with Red Bull.
Over the past two years, there have been numerous reports of behind‑the‑scenes talks between the German powerhouse and the Dutch driver’s camp. However, the recent appointment of Lambiase at McLaren has sparked fresh rumours that the Woking‑based outfit could become a serious contender for Verstappen’s services in the future.
When Sky Sports News asked McLaren chief executive Zak Brown about the possibility, Brown responded enthusiastically about his current driver lineup: "From McLaren’s point of view, I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar. We have long‑term agreements with them, and I think it’s the greatest driver pairing on and off the track, so we have no intention of replacing any of our two superstars." Brown did not dismiss the idea of Verstappen joining McLaren, but he was realistic about contractual obligations. "Obviously if one were to go away, yeah, Max is a huge talent but I’m not anticipating that. Where might he go?
If I had to bet, I’d say to Mercedes," he said, indicating that Mercedes remains the front‑runner in any potential move. Regarding Lambiase’s transition, Brown clarified: "There’s always a chance, but he has a contract and we’re going to respect that. Obviously in conversations with Red Bull, they obviously need to I presume have a solution and then once and if that’s in place, open to have a dialogue.
But we’re prepared to wait to ’28 and that’s what we’ll do if that’s what ends up happening." Beyond the contractual and speculative aspects, the broader narrative underscores how Verstappen’s presence has shaped the modern era of Formula 1. His aggressive driving style, technical feedback, and ability to extract performance from the car have forced rivals to elevate their own standards.
Norris’s comments reflect a respect that goes beyond rivalry; they acknowledge that Verstappen’s continued participation raises the overall quality of competition, benefiting fans, sponsors, and the sport’s global profile. As the 2026 season approaches, with its hybrid power units and revised aerodynamic rules designed to promote closer racing, the sport stands at a crossroads. Drivers like Norris and Piastri are eager to test themselves against the best, and Verstappen’s decision—whether to stay, move to Mercedes, or perhaps surprise everyone by joining McLaren—will have far‑reaching implications.
For now, the consensus among his peers is clear: Max Verstappen is not only a phenomenal talent but also a driver whose continued involvement will keep Formula 1 at the pinnacle of motorsport excellence.