F1 has been buzzing with anticipation as the possibility of Lando Norris donning the iconic Red Bull Racing colors looms ever larger. Helmut Marko, the sage of Red Bull’s advisory team, recently ignited this fervor when he hinted at the prospect of Norris replacing Sergio Perez. The tantalizing prospect of Lando teaming up with the relentless Max Verstappen has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. However, beneath this enticing narrative lies a harsh reality – McLaren’s missed opportunities and costly mistakes have left their star driver contemplating a future outside of the team.

Helmut Marko’s praise for Lando Norris is not to be taken lightly. He described the young British driver as an ideal fit for Red Bull, citing his youth and speed as key attributes that align with the team’s ambitions. However, McLaren’s journey in the 2023 season has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations.

They kicked off the campaign with a car that struggled to match the pace of their rivals, leading to disappointing finishes. Patience was the name of the game as they worked tirelessly to address their car’s issues, and it eventually paid off. However, the team’s struggles, particularly in straight-line speed, continued to haunt them. These challenges have forced Lando Norris and his rookie teammate Oscar Piastri to put in extraordinary efforts to secure points. In the midst of fierce competition, McLaren‘s performances have been a mixed bag, with standout moments and missed opportunities.

Marko also revealed that Red Bull had previously courted Norris back in the day for being at Toro Rosso, only for a McLaren contract option to divert his path. This revelation suggests that Norris had been on Red Bull’s radar long before his move to McLaren.

In the midst of this speculation and allure, Lando Norris himself has hinted at the cracks in McLaren’s facade. He candidly admitted to the McLaren official website, “We want to continue with the improvements that we’ve made so far, maximize our opportunities and make a couple fewer mistakes from both my side and the team’s. Sometimes, we have maybe made a couple of mistakes, just a little bit, so it is about ironing them out and having some more perfect weekends.” Their ability to rectify past mistakes and provide Norris with a competitive car will be paramount in retaining their star driver.

Read more: Languishing after Oscar Piastri’s Grave Mistake, Daniel Ricciardo Finds Lando Norris’ Brotherly Support in Recovery

The stakes for Lando Norris couldn’t be higher. With a contract binding him to McLaren until the end of the 2025 season, Norris’s next move is crucial. The 2009 WDC, Jenson Button, has added his voice to the debate, offering a valuable perspective.

Lando Norris’s dilemma: Racing against the best

Jenson Button, who raced alongside Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, believes Norris has a pivotal decision ahead. Button emphasized the importance of racing against the best, just as he sought to challenge Hamilton. He suggests that Norris must consider whether he wants to measure his skills against Max Verstappen, widely regarded as one of the best in the sport.

Red Bull’s dominance raises questions about Norris’s future, given McLaren’s current pace deficit. But Button offers Norris a critical piece of advice: choosing the right car that suits his style. He acknowledges that not all drivers find the Red Bull car accommodating, except for Verstappen. Norris faces the dilemma of staying loyal to McLaren, with its winning history or exploring other options for 2025.

What do you think will Lando Norris leave McLaren for Red Bull?

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