Lando Norris believes that the departure of four‑time champion Max Verstappen would be a huge loss for his fellow drivers and for Formula 1 as a whole, yet he is confident the Dutch star will continue racing for longer than many pundits anticipate. Norris, who finished runner‑up to Verstappen in last season’s championship, shared his thoughts during a McLaren media day, alongside teammate Oscar Piastri, both of whom have tasted the pressure of challenging the Red Bull driver for the title. Norris began by acknowledging Verstappen’s right to decide his own future. "Max has earned the freedom to choose whatever path he wants," the Brit said.
"He’s already secured four world championships, and he’s always been outspoken about his opinions, whether people agree with him or not. He simply stays true to himself, and that’s a commendable way to live." He went on to stress how rare a talent like Verstappen is in the modern era. "If he ever walked away, it would be a massive disappointment for the sport. He’s arguably one of the best drivers we’ve ever seen in Formula 1," Norris added.
The McLaren driver also highlighted the personal impact on his own racing experience. "Even though Max makes our lives incredibly tough on the track, he’s also a fantastic opponent. Competing against a four‑time champion is always exciting – you want to measure yourself against the best, and Max certainly fits that bill.
Losing him would be a loss for everyone, not just us," Norris explained. When the conversation turned to the upcoming 2026 technical regulations, Norris expressed mixed feelings. The new package will feature a 50‑50 split between internal‑combustion power and electric energy, a change that has divided opinion across the grid.
"It’s a relative matter," Norris said. "New drivers coming into Formula 1 this year are thrilled by the cars, calling them ‘sick’. But for those of us who have spent years in the previous generation, the comparison is inevitable and the transition feels different for each driver." Despite the uncertainty surrounding the new machinery, Norris remains optimistic about Verstappen’s future ambitions. "I was just told he’s already talking about a fifth world title, so I’m sure he’ll stick around longer than people think," he remarked, indicating that the champion’s competitive fire is still burning bright.
Oscar Piastri echoed a similar sentiment. "It would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, especially at this stage of his career," the Australian said. "We drivers thrive when we have the chance to race against the best, and Max has set the benchmark for the last decade, particularly over the past five or six years. Losing him would be a major blow to the sport’s image and its competitive spirit." The discussion of Verstappen’s future intensified after news broke that his long‑time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren in 2028, once his contract with Red Bull expires.
Lambiase has been a key figure in Verstappen’s success, and his departure adds another layer of speculation about where the champion might end up. Verstappen’s current deal with Red Bull runs until the close of the 2028 season, but it contains performance‑related clauses that could allow an early exit if certain targets aren’t met. Should he decide to move on, the most frequently mentioned alternative has been Mercedes, with informal talks reported over the past two years. The possibility that McLaren could become a more attractive destination now that they have secured Lambiase is also being debated.
When Sky Sports asked McLaren chief executive Zak Brown about the potential impact of Lambiase’s arrival, Brown responded enthusiastically about his current driver lineup. "From McLaren’s perspective, I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar. We have long‑term agreements with them, and they form the strongest driver pairing on and off the track. We have no intention of replacing either of our superstars," he said.
Brown did, however, address the hypothetical scenario of Verstappen leaving Red Bull. "If I had to place a bet, I’d say Mercedes would be the most likely landing spot for Max," he admitted, noting that Mercedes has consistently been linked with the Dutchman in recent speculation.
Regarding Lambiase’s move, Brown was measured. "There’s always a chance, but he’s under contract and we’ll respect that. Red Bull will need to find a solution, and if a vacancy opens up before 2028, we’d be open to dialogue.
But we’re prepared to wait until ‘28 if that’s what happens," he clarified. The broader context of Verstappen’s future is set against the backdrop of the 2026 regulation overhaul, which aims to improve sustainability and competition by balancing hybrid power with traditional engines. Drivers, engineers, and team principals are all weighing how these changes will affect performance, cost, and the overall spectacle of the sport.
While some view the new rules as an opportunity for fresh innovation, others, like Norris, see the transition as a mixed bag that will be felt differently depending on a driver’s experience and adaptation speed. As the season progresses toward the Miami Grand Prix – the second Sprint weekend of the year – the conversation about Verstappen’s longevity will likely continue. Fans, commentators, and insiders will watch closely to see whether the champion’s desire for a fifth title translates into a longer stay at Red Bull, a move to a rival team, or perhaps an unexpected retirement. Regardless of the outcome, Norris’s and Piastri’s comments underline a shared respect for Verstappen’s skill and a recognition that his presence elevates the sport for competitors and spectators alike.
In summary, while uncertainty looms over the next few years of Formula 1 regulation and driver contracts, the consensus among his peers is clear: Max Verstappen remains a central figure in the sport, and his continued participation—whether with Red Bull, Mercedes, or another team—will be a defining factor for the championship’s narrative moving forward.