Helmut Marko, the former Red Bull advisor, disclosed that he engaged in early contract talks with Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. Marko indicated that Norris
would have fitted very well to us
if the discussions had resulted in a deal, highlighting a missed opportunity for Red Bull to secure the rising star.
Last year at the Yas Marina Circuit, Norris clinched his first Drivers’ Championship, narrowly surpassing Max Verstappen by just two points, which ended McLaren’s title drought since 2008.
Marko, who concluded his 20-year tenure with the Milton Keynes-based Red Bull team at the end of the 2025 season, offered insight into the near-transfer of the British driver, who had originally joined the McLaren junior program in 2017 and might have raced for Toro Rosso (now Racing Point) if circumstances had differed in 2016.
Insights into Contract Negotiations and Red Bull’s Perspective
Although initial talks with Norris did not lead to a contract, further discussions appeared to resurface in 2022 before Norris recommitted to McLaren through a multi-year agreement. Marko reflected on the situation in an interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast with Tom Clarkson, stating,
“We had, at a very early stage, a negotiation with Lando Norris, and in the end, we didn’t get him,”
emphasizing Red Bull’s unsuccessful attempt.
The Austrian motorsport expert further commented on Norris’ potential compatibility with Red Bull’s operation, saying,
“Yes, I think he would have fitted very well to us,”
before adding,
“But on the other hand, we can’t have everybody. We are looking for champions.”
Factors Influencing Norris’s Decision to Remain with McLaren
The onset of Formula 1’s new ground effects regulations in 2022 marked a difficult period for Norris and McLaren, as the team struggled significantly, culminating in the MCL36 finishing last in the competitive hierarchy. CEO Zak Brown openly admitted the team had fallen short of its development targets.
Despite Red Bull possessing a stronger package at the time, Norris chose loyalty to McLaren, the squad that introduced him to Formula 1 in 2019. This decision now appears crucial in the context of his championship victory, though then it was largely driven by appreciation for McLaren’s faith in his talent.
In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport in 2022, Norris explained the contract dynamics, saying,
“It’s more just I was coming to the end of my contract, and it wasn’t like we [Red Bull and I] were talking heavily.”
He also affirmed,
“Before I’ve ever spoken to anyone else, my talks have always been with McLaren first, that’s always how it goes.”
The driver highlighted the significance of stability in his career, remarking,
“As much as sometimes you might like what could happen, the best thing for me is signing the contract that I have now, just having that confidence that you’re going to be in F1, and the knowledge that you’re going to be in F1 for three, four, five years.”
He added,
“For me that’s like the best feeling, just because it makes you more relaxed, more comfortable in the environment that you’re in.”
The Potential Impact of a Norris-Red Bull Partnership
Had Norris joined Red Bull, the team might have benefited from his talent during key construction phases and championship runs; yet Marko’s remarks show that Red Bull’s ambitions revolve around securing proven champions. Norris’s steadfast commitment to McLaren, despite early struggles, not only rewarded the team’s faith but also culminated in a hard-fought World Championship.
This episode reflects how critical contract negotiations and timely decisions can shape drivers’ careers and influence Formula 1 dynamics. As Norris continues to race for McLaren, his path remains a testament to loyalty and perseverance amid a highly competitive arena.
