Lando Norris gives Max Verstappen a heads-up about McLaren’s ‘different’ rules as rumors keep swirling.
After battling it out for the drivers’ championship in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen might become teammates next year. But the British driver has given a heads-up to his old rival about McLaren’s team rules.
With Red Bull struggling lately, the future of four-time world champ Max Verstappen is still up in the air. He almost joined Mercedes last year but stayed with Red Bull when the team’s leadership changed. Now, with Mercedes off the table and Ferrari likely full, McLaren has become a possible new home for Verstappen, who’s the second-most successful driver on the grid.
Since Lando Norris is more likely to keep his spot if Max arrives, he’s warned Max about what it’s like racing at McLaren. Even though Zac Brown dismissed the idea of Max moving, rumors about him joining McLaren in 2027 keep coming.
If Max switches, it would be a huge change, like when Lewis Hamilton moved to Ferrari. But McLaren has strict team rules that could be tough for Max, who’s used to being the top driver. Norris said he’s open to any teammate and would actually love to race alongside Max, Lewis, or Fernando Alonso.
“I welcome anyone as a teammate,” Norris told the BBC. “Max is one of the best, alongside Lewis and Fernando. You want to prove yourself against the best by having them as your teammate. Oscar is also a great teammate who pushes me a lot.”
Still, Norris admits Max would face a different vibe at McLaren. “The way we work is different from Red Bull. There are things Max can do at Red Bull that wouldn’t fly here,” he said. Plus, Max might find it hard to race in other events with McLaren since they already have drivers in multiple series. He’s been racing in different events with Mercedes and Ferrari, which might not be easy if he moves.
If Max does join, McLaren would have five world titles in their cars. It might mean some compromises between teammates, but it would put the team in a great spot to start winning again.