Lando Norris believes that the departure of four‑time world champion Max Verstappen would be a significant loss for his fellow competitors and for Formula 1 as a whole, but he is confident that the Dutch driver will "stay longer than people say". Norris’s comments came during a McLaren media session where he and teammate Oscar Piastri, both of whom challenged Verstappen for the 2023 title, were asked to weigh in on the Red Bull star’s future. Verstappen’s outlook beyond the current season remains uncertain.
He has voiced criticism of the upcoming 2026 regulations and expressed frustration with the way the current cars have had to be driven, especially as the sport prepares for technical tweaks aimed at improving performance from next week’s Miami Grand Prix onward. The 2026 rule package will see a 50‑50 split between internal‑combustion power and electric energy, a change that has sparked mixed reactions among drivers. Norris said, "Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants.
He's won four world championships. He's always been that guy – not just now – always outspoken, whether you agree with him or not. He lives his life on his own terms and that’s admirable." He added that losing Verstappen would be "a shame for the sport" because the Dutchman is "one of the best drivers you’ll ever see in Formula 1". "He makes our lives incredibly tough at times, but he’s always fun to race against.
Competing against a four‑time champion pushes us to be better, and his presence adds excitement for fans and drivers alike," Norris explained. When the conversation turned to the new 2026 cars, Norris admitted that opinions are likely to vary.
"For the rookies coming in, those cars look amazing. But for those of us who have spent years in the previous generation, the comparison is inevitable and the perception is relative," he said.
He expressed optimism that the new machinery will improve over time and noted, "I was just told he wants to win a fifth world championship, so I’m sure he’ll stay longer than people say." Piastri echoed a similar sentiment. "It would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, especially at this stage of his career.
He’s set the benchmark for the last five or six years, and we drivers want to test ourselves against the best. Losing him would be a big loss for everyone," the Australian remarked. The discussion of Verstappen’s future intensified after it was revealed that his long‑time race engineer and confidant Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren in 2028 once his Red Bull contract expires.
Verstappen’s own agreement with Red Bull runs through the end of the 2028 season, though it contains performance‑based clauses that could allow an early exit if certain targets aren’t met. Should Verstappen decide to move on, Mercedes has long been seen as the most likely destination, with talks between the two camps reported over the past two years.
The recent appointment of Lambiase to McLaren raises the question of whether the Woking outfit could become a serious contender for Verstappen’s services. When Sky Sports News asked McLaren chief executive Zak Brown about the possibility, he replied, "From McLaren’s point of view, I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar. We have long‑term agreements with them and they are the best driver pairing on and off the track. We have no intention of replacing either of our superstars.
If one were to leave, Max is a huge talent, but I’m not anticipating that. If I had to bet, I’d say he’d go to Mercedes." Regarding Lambiase’s move, Brown said, "There’s always a chance, but he has a contract and we’ll respect that.
Red Bull will need to find a solution, and once that’s in place we can have a dialogue. We’re prepared to wait until 2028 if that’s what happens." Beyond the speculation, Norris also touched on the broader context of the sport’s evolution. He highlighted how the 2026 regulations aim to balance performance, sustainability and cost, and how drivers will need to adapt their driving styles to a hybrid power unit that delivers equal parts combustion and electric power. While some drivers, especially newcomers, find the new cars exhilarating, veterans like Norris and Piastri acknowledge the learning curve and the need for incremental improvements.
The conversation concluded with a reminder that the Formula 1 calendar will resume on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, the second Sprint weekend of the season, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the races via NOW without a long‑term contract and cancel at any time.
The upcoming weekend will also serve as an early test of the 2026‑era machinery, offering clues about how drivers and teams will adjust to the hybrid formula and whether Verstappen’s comments signal deeper concerns or simply the usual pre‑season banter. In summary, both Norris and Piastri see Max Verstappen as an integral part of the sport’s present and future.
While contractual details and regulatory changes may influence his long‑term plans, the prevailing view among his peers is that his talent, competitive spirit, and willingness to speak his mind make him a driver worth keeping around for as long as possible. The possibility of a move to Mercedes remains the most plausible scenario if he ever decides to leave Red Bull, but McLaren’s recent strategic hires suggest they are also positioning themselves as a potential alternative. Regardless of the outcome, the F1 community agrees that Verstappen’s continued presence would benefit the sport, its fans, and the next generation of drivers striving to measure themselves against the best.