Amid Red Bull’s Growing Interest in Lando Norris, Zak Brown Plays Right Into Helmut Marko’s Masterplan

Despite showing signs of resurgence in the recent past, and even this season, McLaren‘s mantra has always been of ‘one step forward and two steps backwards’. After a sordid start to the 2023 season, the Woking-based team was seriously in danger of losing their main man, Lando Norris. But they pulled their socks up, and now look like the third-fastest team on the grid. That being said, Norris won’t be happy with the occasional podiums. Apparently, Red Bull is lurking in the wings to snap the Brit from under McLaren’s nose.

While this recent upturn in form would have appeased the 23-year-old British racing sensation, the team needs to bring a comparable car to Norris soon. The Brit is arguably world championship material and at this point, it’s only McLaren that is holding him back. But rather than convincing Norris, CEO Zak Brown seems to have rolled the red carpet from Woking to Milton-Keynes instead.

Zak Brown makes a blatant contractual error

McLaren and driver contracts don’t seem to gel well anyway nowadays. It’s no secret that Helmut Marko & Co. are eagerly eyeing the availability of Norris to bolster their ranks alongside 2x champion, Max Verstappen. With the team having only till the end of 2025 to convince Norris to stay, as that is when his current deal expires, Brown seems to have made a computing error.

He was quoted by ESPN as saying, “It’s just going to take a little bit of time so as long as we can show this progress… ’26 is going to be a huge reset for this sport and there’s not going to be any excuses for us.” Well, if this is anything to go by, McLaren seems to be a day late and a dollar short if they want to keep the services of Norris.

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And as Brown is scrapping at the bits to keep his driver on his team, Norris seems to be enjoying all the attention he’s been getting with the Red Bull links.

Lando Norris hints at Red Bull’s future

The last thing that McLaren want is for Norris adding more fuel to this Red Bull fire. However, that is exactly what the 23-year-old has been doing on social media. With the Bulls’ radar getting stronger day by day, Norris has sent fans into a frenzy with his Instagram antics.

Back in July, Express UK reported, “Lando Norris has sent fans into overdrive after his social media activity increased rumors about a Red Bull move. Eagle-eyed fans have spotted Norris now following the Red Bull Racing account on Instagram. Meanwhile, the move appears to have been reciprocated with Red Bull also deciding to follow the McLaren star.” 

Has Zak Brown made his final and fatal mistake in this Lando Norris love triangle?