Lando Norris believes that the departure of four‑time world champion Max Verstappen would be a huge loss for his fellow competitors and for Formula 1 as a whole, but he is confident that the Dutch driver will continue racing for longer than many pundits anticipate. Norris, who alongside McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri challenged Verstappen for the 2023 title, shared his thoughts during a McLaren media session on Wednesday, offering both admiration for Verstappen’s talent and speculation about his future in the sport.
Norris began by acknowledging Verstappen’s right to decide his own path: "Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants. He’s won four world championships, and he’s always been the kind of driver who speaks his mind, whether people agree with him or not. He stays true to himself, and that’s a great way to live." He went on to stress how rare a talent like Verstappen is, noting that "it would be a shame for the sport if he ever walked away, because he’s probably one of the best drivers you’ll ever see in Formula 1." The British racer added that while Verstappen makes life "incredibly tough" for his rivals, he also makes racing "good fun" and that competing against a four‑time champion is a privilege that pushes other drivers to improve. The conversation then turned to the upcoming 2026 regulations, which introduce a hybrid power unit that splits output 50‑50 between a traditional internal‑combustion engine and an electric system.
Norris admitted that the new cars feel different for veterans compared with rookies: "When you see the newcomers in their first year, they’re all like ‘these cars are sick!’ For those of us who have driven the previous generation, it’s a different reference point, so the perception is relative." He expressed optimism that the performance balance will improve over time and hinted that Verstappen’s competitive fire remains undiminished, saying, "I was just told he wants to win a fifth world championship, so I’m sure he’ll stay longer than people say." Oscar Piastri echoed a similar sentiment. The Australian driver said, "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 all want to race against the best to prove ourselves. Losing him would be a big loss for everyone involved." The discussion of Verstappen’s future intensified after news emerged that his long‑time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren in 2028 once his Red Bull contract expires. Lambiase has been a key confidant for Verstappen, and his impending move has added another layer of speculation about where the Dutchman might end up if he decides to leave Red Bull before his contract runs out at the end of the 2028 season. Performance clauses in his deal could allow an early exit if certain targets aren’t met.
Historically, Mercedes has been viewed as the most likely destination should Verstappen part ways with Red Bull, with informal talks reportedly taking place over the past two years. The possibility that McLaren could become a serious contender now that they will have Lambiase on staff was also raised. When Sky Sports News asked McLaren chief executive Zak Brown about the situation, 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’re the greatest 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." Brown added that while McLaren would respect Lambiase’s existing contract, there is always a chance of dialogue with Red Bull if a solution is needed. "We’re prepared to wait until ’28 and that’s what we’ll do if that’s what ends up happening," he said. Beyond the personal opinions, the broader context of the sport’s regulatory landscape cannot be ignored. The 2026 rule package aims to make the cars more sustainable by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing electric power, a shift that has generated mixed reactions among drivers.
Some, like Norris, appreciate the technical challenge, while others are wary of how the changes might affect performance parity. Verstappen himself has been vocal about his concerns, criticizing the current iteration of the regulations and expressing disappointment with how the cars have been driven so far, especially ahead of the upcoming tweaks slated for the Miami Grand Prix sprint weekend. Regardless of these technical debates, the consensus among the younger generation of drivers is clear: Max Verstappen remains the benchmark for excellence in Formula 1.
Both Norris and Piastri highlighted that racing against a driver of Verstappen’s calibre not only tests their skills but also inspires them to elevate their own performance. Their remarks underscore a broader truth about elite sport – the presence of a dominant figure can raise the entire field, creating a more compelling spectacle for fans worldwide.
As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, the sport will once again showcase its evolving technology, driver talent, and strategic narratives. Whether Verstappen decides to stay with Red Bull, move to Mercedes, or perhaps even consider a surprise shift to McLaren in the future, his impact on Formula 1 will continue to be felt for years to come. The discussions at the McLaren media event reflect both respect for his achievements and curiosity about the next chapter of his career, reinforcing the idea that, for now, the Dutch champion’s journey in Formula 1 is far from over.