Red Bull is currently navigating a turbulent period as several key figures depart the team. The iconic Milton Keynes-based outfit recently dismissed Christian Horner, its longest-serving team principal, due to a series of disappointing performances. Adding to the unrest, Max Verstappen, considered Red Bull’s star driver, is reportedly contemplating a departure. Against this backdrop, F1 analyst Peter Windsor has suggested that Lando Norris might be a contender to join Red Bull should Verstappen leave ahead of next season, raising speculation about a potential Lando Norris Red Bull replacement.
Lando Norris’s Position at McLaren Under Scrutiny Amid Rising Rivalries
Once regarded as McLaren’s leading driver, Lando Norris dominated earlier seasons with his impressive speed and consistency. However, the 2025 campaign has seen his teammate, Oscar Piastri, shine brightly, surpassing Norris’s performance significantly in just his third year in F1. This shift has fueled questions about whether Norris has ever truly been the primary focus at Woking or if he has mainly served a supporting role. His current struggle to keep pace with Piastri for the drivers’ title only deepens the uncertainty surrounding his future at McLaren.
Peter Windsor Suggests Norris May Seek a New Challenge if Left Behind at Woking
Peter Windsor believes that Lando Norris is unlikely to accept being overshadowed by Oscar Piastri indefinitely. Reflecting on Norris’s past support for Piastri, including key moments like the Hungarian GP Sprint victory, Windsor suggests that Norris might grow frustrated at playing second fiddle. At 25 years old, Norris could be ready to move on to a team where he could emerge as the outright number one driver, potentially opening the door to a move to Red Bull if the opportunity arises.
“But as you say, he (Lando Norris) won’t be so glad happy if Oscar wins the championship. And then his thoughts will turn back to Hungary last year when he gave Oscar that win, I guess. And he’ll think, I’ve had enough of this.”
—Peter Windsor, F1 Analyst
Financial and Contractual Hurdles Could Delay Norris’s Switch to Red Bull
A transfer to Red Bull would require the Austrian team to negotiate a buyout of Norris’s existing contract with McLaren. Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, has invested heavily to secure Norris amid his improving form, making such a move costly. Should Norris continue to trail Piastri without a reversal of fortunes, McLaren may designate him as the secondary driver by the 2026 season and elevate Piastri as their main contender for the title.
“But to go to Red Bull, they’d have to buy him out of his McLaren contract. It would have been a lot of money to Zak on that one. And quite a big deal to do that. I think McLaren are quite capable of saying to Lando if he does lose to Oscar, oh, it’ll be your championship in 26.”
—Peter Windsor, F1 Analyst
Long-Term Contract Limits Norris’s Flexibility at McLaren
Lando Norris committed to a long-term deal with McLaren during the 2024 season, reflecting the team’s dominant pace at that time. Despite his speed, the inability to surpass Oscar Piastri in the standings has likely caused frustration for Norris. This frustration, combined with contract constraints, may prompt him to reconsider his career path if he feels restricted at Woking. Windsor highlights that this contract extension ties Norris closely to a teammate who is now a serious challenger, possibly limiting his immediate options for a team switch.
“It’s a difficult one. He has signed a long-term contract, wasn’t it? So he signed that, and I remember saying at the time, I’m a bit shocked by that because that means he’s kind of locking himself into a teammate as quick as Oscar Piastri.”
—Peter Windsor, F1 Analyst
McLaren’s Status and Norris’s Outlook for the 2025 Season
McLaren has established itself as the fastest team currently on the grid, and Lando Norris appears content with his present situation for now. Nevertheless, if his ambitions and needs are not met within the team, a switch could become a viable option in the near future. As of the current season, Norris trails Piastri by eight points, intensifying the internal team debate over who will lead McLaren’s championship push going forward.
Potential Impact of Norris Joining Red Bull
Should Norris make the move to Red Bull, it would signify a seismic shift in the F1 landscape. Red Bull has long been dominated by Verstappen’s brilliance, but his rumored exit combined with Norris’s arrival would inject new energy and uncertainty into the team’s hierarchy. Norris would face the challenge of establishing himself as the lead driver amidst the pressures and expectations that come with replacing a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. The decision could set the stage for significant changes in driver dynamics and competitive balance within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lando Norris a millionaire?
A. Lando Norris: Lando Norris, from Britain, has earned $30 million (£23.2m). He began his Formula 1 career in 2019 with McLaren. During his first season, Norris almost reached the top 10, finishing 11th. At 24 years old, he secured sixth place in the 2023 season.
