
via Imago
L: Lando Norris and R: Max Verstappen | Image Courtesy: Imago

via Imago
L: Lando Norris and R: Max Verstappen | Image Courtesy: Imago
One would’ve thought that Lando Norris had got himself in deep water after signing the contract extension with McLaren and seeing the performance at the start of the season. However, the upgrades have sorted the car out. Yet, Lando Norris made a reckless Max Verstappen confession and received backlash from an F1 journalist as the Red Bull rumors continued to circulate the paddock. What was the backlash about?
It is obvious for rumors and speculations to go around the paddock when a contract is due for a driver. But Lando Norris’ switch to Red Bull rumors isn’t really triggered by a contract due. Various comments made by the Red Bull team combined with the fact that Sergio Perez isn’t performing is what fueled the rumors. However, the least that is expected from a driver during these rumors is to keep advising that he will stay with the current team until a deal is signed.

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NORRIS Lando gbr, McLaren F1 Team MCL60, portrait VERSTAPPEN Max ned, Red Bull Racing RB19, portrait during the 2023 Formula 1 Aramco British Grand Prix, 10th round of the 2023 Formula One World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft from July 7 to 9, 2023 on the Silverstone Circuit, in Silverstone, United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA Copyright: xDppi/DPPI/IPAxSportx/xipa-agencyx/xIPAxSportx 0 IPA_IPA39126534
Lando Norris who signed a contract extension that will see him race for McLaren until the end of 2025 recently advised that he would like to be Max Verstappen’s teammate. Tom Clarkson, during the F1 nation podcast, was surprised by Norris’ comments as he advised that the Brit should’ve taken a more diplomatic approach and answered accordingly.
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Tom Clarkson said, “The only interesting thing that came out of Monza with regard to Lando Norris I felt was him publicly saying, ‘I would like to be Max Verstappen’s teammate’. He said it with a smile but I would’ve thought that the more political response would’ve been just to bash it away. He actually said, ‘I’d like to do it, I’d like to put myself against Max’”
Lewis Hamilton was linked to Ferrari before his contract extension yet the 7X champ continued to advise that he will stay loyal to Mercedes and that Mercedes is where he belongs. Nonetheless, according to Zak Brown, Lando Norris isn’t going anywhere as he made a brutal confession.
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Zak Brown advises on Lando Norris’ contract situation
Lando Norris’ Red Bull isn’t something new and has been going around for a while. Zak Brown recently came out and advised that Lando Norris will be racing at McLaren through 2025. Earlier in the year when the rumors gained traction, Brown had to come out with a similar statement as he advised how Norris doesn’t have any sort of exit clause in his contract.

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FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2023 Zak Brown Chief Executive McLaren during the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GP at CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands on 25 August 2023 Editorial Use Only Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-0785-0050
According to Sky Sports, Zak Brown said, “He has zero exit clauses. Ultimately, when his contract is next up, if we are not performing and he doesn’t feel he can win races and can compete for the championship, then I think anybody, driver or team member for that matter [would be considering leaving], we are all here to win.”
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What do you make of Lando Norris’ confession?
WATCH THIS STORY | Lando Norris’ Apology Accepted: Max Verstappen’s GF Extends Special Invitation
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