Neither Sergio Perez nor Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen Reveals F1 Rival He Wants at Red Bull

The 2022 season is flooded with speculations and rumors fueling the silly season. One of the biggest contributors to the headlines was Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo before the summer break. The Mexican came about a poor run of form seriously jeopardizing his future with Red Bull. Thanks to the events in Red Bull’s sister team, Perez got some breathing room and a guarantee till the end of the season. Despite that, there are still suggestions of the Mexican being replaced by Ricciardo for the 2024 season. However, if we are to take Max Verstappen into consideration, neither of the two would be driving alongside him in 2024.

That’s right, Red Bull‘s No. 1 driver’s relationship with Perez might’ve deteriorated but he still gets along with the Dutchman. Despite that, as revealed via Sky Sports F1, Verstappen would like his best friend on the grid to drive alongside him. He said, “We talk about it. But he’s contracted to #McLaren for a long time. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Now we are aware Lando Norris has a long-term contract but terminating a contract early at McLaren would not be new. In fact, Norris became the strongest contender to acquire the inevitably vacant seat at Red Bull after his British GP heroics.

Read More: Amid Daniel Ricciardo & Max Verstappen’s Bromance, Sergio Perez Fights Back to Retain Coveted Seat with Bold Confession

Although despite his heroics, the young Brit was made aware of his hypothetical stance at Red Bull. A suggestion most would not take kindly to because of its disrespectful nature. Norris did not shy away from giving a fitting reply to the disrespectful suggestion either.

Lando Norris gives a fitting reply to Red Bull’s taskmaster for defining his role alongside Max Verstappen

The disrespect Norris faced at the hands of Helmut Marko was a suggestion that the Brit would come in as a second driver. Marko suggested Norris would perfectly fit into the system as Verstappen’s support driver. However, Norris is definitely showcasing that championship-winning pedigree and he will not go in a team expected to play second fiddle to anyone, including Verstappen. His reply expressed just that.

“I would like to do it in the future. Maybe when Max (Verstappen, ed.) is tired of winning, he can come to McLaren,” jokes Norris. He also addressed the second driver position with simple logic and said, “You only are if you lose to him,” said Norris.

After giving up his chances of moving to Red Bull a couple of times already, do you see this move happening eventually? More importantly, will it be the right decision for Norris?

WATCH THIS STORY | How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren