The will he won’t between McLaren and Red Bull for Lando Norris has gotten everyone involved. The saga began after Norris emerged as a viable long-term solution for Red Bull’s persistent second-seat problem. Red Bull set eyes on Norris thanks to McLaren‘s incredible jump in grid standings and the Brit’s incredible performances. This rumor mill has only gathered steam in the coming weeks and even a Red Bull outcast has expressed his opinion on the matter. In fact, this former Red Bull man believes there is an open offer for Norris to drive alongside Max Verstappen should he choose to accept.
Red Bull‘s second seat will surely see a new occupant in 2025 after the Austrian team lost all confidence in Sergio Perez thanks to his poor run of form. However, there is a possibility of a change in 2024 as well, despite valid contracts for Perez and Norris. In fact, Red Bull’s outcast Alex Albon, while speaking with Sky Sports, is convinced Norris wants the move and has an open invitation.
“I think if he wants it, yes. But let’s see because I think no one enjoys to be Max’s team-mates. It’s hard – I have experience with that,” said Albon. “But if he’s confident in himself, which he should be – from what I hear, the invitation has been open for a while.”
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“From what I hear, the invitation has been open for a while” 💬
Alex Albon on potentially seeing Lando Norris alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in the future 👇 pic.twitter.com/8TzKgsAmC7
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 6, 2023
However, Albon also explained the scenario where Norris’s loyalty comes into play, something the McLaren man expressed himself as well. “It’s hard to say now because just like I have with Williams, you can tell the relationship Lando has with McLaren is very strong, and for now it looks like there’s no reason to change,” explained Albon.
Read More: Lando Norris Plays Down Red Bull Rumors With Fresh Perspective After McLaren’s Nightmare Start
We are not sure who and what to believe. However, come 2025, we will definitely see a change; if it involves Norris or the other McLaren man remains to be seen. Because former team owner Eddie Jordan believes Oscar Piastri is a better option for Red Bull.
Eddie Jordan puts Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris in the line to join Red Bull
The former boss is a big admirer of Oscar Piastri and believes the rookie will surely be a future world champion. Similar things are said about Lando Norris as well and the Brit has much more experience than the rookie. So who should Red Bull go for to secure the team’s future?
According to Eddie Jordan, with the help of some inside information, the Austrian team should put their money on Piastri. Let us reveal his source and their assessment.
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Jordan revealed, “Way back in the late 80s with Johnny Herbert and he was managed by Mark Webber’s wife. I’ve had that relationship and understood and I thought she was probably the best and most professional manager of any sports person that I’ve come across. So she tipped me off and said ‘Listen I have to tell you this guy is the real deal.’ I think he is the real deal.”
“Full marks to McLaren, they signed him till 2026 because they needed to, because he will be a sought-after driver. If I was in Red Bull and I was thinking of replacing Checo, he’d be the one I’d have in my mind,” he confessed.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Is Oscar Piastri Already Justifying His Talent By Performing Better Than Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren?
High praise for the rookie who has already impressed in all his outings so far, especially after Silverstone. Do you agree with the Irishman’s assessment?