Which team has the best driver pairing on the grid? Some say it’s Mercedes, while others say it’s obviously Red Bull. Now McLaren is also putting its name in contention. However, in the hypothetical world of F1, and perhaps a twist in the silly season in the coming years, we might see Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna drive together in the same team. We mean the modern-day Schumacher and Senna and these are the comparisons by F1 experts for Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, respectively.

The young Brit, ever since his performance at Silverstone, has been heavily liked by Red Bull. So when Lando Norris‘s topic came up on the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast the experts discussed his incredible talent. In fact, the host even pointed out how McLaren‘s TP Andrea Stella revealed one aspect of Norris’s racing that is “Schumacher-esque”.

Tom Clarkson said, “As a racing driver, so fast! Something Andrea Stella has said all season is that one of Lando’s great strengths is that he can go out there and on lap one, Schumacher-esque, nail the lap. That was one of Michael Schumacher’s great attributes. So you know immediately where the limits of the car is, he doesn’t need to dial himself in.”

As for the Senna-Verstappen comparison, ten-time GP winner Gerhard Berger had to chime in. While discussing Verstappen’s incredible 10-race win record Berger made the comparison with his old teammate. He said, “The performance of Max is really unbelievable. He reminds me of Ayrton. He just wants to win like Ayrton was at my time. These two are outstanding drivers.” 

These comparisons coupled with the fact there is the possibility of the two driving for the same team will make for an exciting team affair. However, according to a former world champion, if Norris leaves McLaren for Red Bull, he will face a difficult time.

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2009 world champion warns Lando Norris about his possible link-up with Max Verstappen

Speaking from experience, Jenson Button gave his two cents on the Norris conundrum. The young Brit is ready to fight for race wins and challenge the top dogs. Even though the MCL60 is performing above expectations at the moment, it’s not fast enough to be a regular race-winning car. However, the next season, Norris’s last season under a valid contract with McLaren will be crucial.

By next season he will have to decide if McLaren is capable enough to make him a regular race winner or he might join Red Bull and fight Verstappen from within. Which, however, won’t be an easy task by any means.

Button said, “So yeah, he’s got to be looking elsewhere for 2025. Or, he puts his trust in McLaren – they’ve won races and won championships, and that can come back around. As long as he can see the future and think that they’re in a good place as a team and that gives him confidence, stay there. If not, go and fight Max Verstappen in his own team. But it’s a hard one.”

Norris seems happy with the MCL60’s performance at the moment. Will the Woking outfit carry that momentum in 2024 as well? Additionally, will it be enough to make Norris extend? Your guess is as good as ours.

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