Lando Norris says Max Verstappen will be missed by his fellow drivers and F1 as a whole will see the four-time world champion leave the sport, but believes the Dutchman will “be around longer than people say”.
Verstappen’s future in F1 beyond this year is uncertain after his criticism of the 2026 regulations and his dissatisfaction with the way the car has been driven so far, ahead of the introduction of tweaks aimed at improving aspects of the rules from next week’s Miami Grand Prix.
World champion Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who battled Verstappen for last year’s world title, were asked for their thoughts on the Red Bull driver’s future at a McLaren media event on Wednesday.
“Max has earned the right to do whatever he wants. He’s won four world championships,” Norris said.
“And he’s always been that kind of guy, and it’s not just now. He’s always been very open about what he thinks, whether you agree with him or not, whether he should or shouldn’t say it. He’s who he is, and I think that’s a really good way to live your life.”
“If that happens, it would be a shame and a shame for the sport, because he’s probably one of the best drivers in F1 history.”
“And I think that’s a shame for us. He makes life incredibly tough for us sometimes, but it’s always a lot of fun to race with him, and it’s always cool to race with a guy who’s won four championships. You always want to race with the best guys in the world, and he’s certainly one of them, so I think that would be a loss for the sport.”
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Lando Norris has revealed that drivers have worked “more closely than ever” with the FIA to adjust the rules ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Norris also criticized the driving experience of the 2026 car, which has a 50/50 ratio of internal combustion engine to electric power, but said: “I think it’s relative for everyone, because when you see new guys coming in and it’s their first year in F1, everyone’s like, ‘Oh, this car isn’t doing well!'”
“For those who were in last year’s car or the previous car, of course there’s something to compare and it’s kind of relative for everyone.
“But I hope things get better and I’ve heard him say he wants to be world champion for a fifth time at the moment, so I’m sure he’ll stay longer than people say.”
Mr. Piastri offered a similar assessment.
“It would be a shame for the sport to lose Max. I think it would be a huge loss for the sport as a whole, especially at this point in his career,” the Australian driver said.
“For us drivers, we want to race against the best, we want to prove ourselves against the best, and I think Max has shown that talent over the last 10 years. I think he’s been the benchmark, especially the last five or six years. So it’s pretty disappointing for everyone and obviously it’s not going to look great.”
Will Lambiase’s move put McLaren on Verstappen’s radar?
Two weeks ago, Verstappen’s future in the sport became even more of a focus when it was announced that long-time race engineer and close confidante Giampiero Lambiase would be joining McLaren in 2028 after his contract with Red Bull ended.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until the end of the 2028 season, but it is known that it includes a performance clause, giving him the opportunity to leave the club earlier if the terms are not met.
Mercedes has long been thought to be the most likely alternative destination for Verstappen if he leaves Red Bull if he continues to race in F1, with talks between the two sides known to have taken place over the past two years.
But with McLaren’s signing of Llambias, does Woking remain a strong contender in the future?
In response to a question from Sky Sports News, McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said: “From a McLaren point of view, I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar.
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McLaren Racing chief executive Zac Brown shares his thoughts on Giampiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ interest in Alpine’s stake.
“We have a long-term contract with them and I think they are the best driver combination on and off the track, so I don’t plan on replacing either of our two superstars. Of course, if one of them leaves, yes, Max is a huge talent, but I don’t expect that.”
“Where will he go? If I had to bet, I would say Mercedes.”
Regarding the possibility of Lambiadze joining the club by 2028, Brown said: “There’s always a chance, but he has a contract and we’re going to honor that.”
“In the discussions with Red Bull, they have clearly found a solution and if that is in place then it is clear that they need to be open to dialogue.
“But we are prepared to wait until 2028 and will do so no matter what happens.”
F1 will resume with the second sprint weekend of the season, the Miami Grand Prix, from May 1-3, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
