Why Norris believes Verstappen won't quit Red Bull: "Nobody leaves while being very successful"
Updated: 18:26, 03 Sep
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Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Lando Norris says there is little sense in Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull while they remain capable of winning titles while reaffirmed his absolute loyalty to McLaren, admitting he would gladly spend the entirety of his Formula 1 career with the Woking-based outfit.
Reflecting on high-profile driver transfers throughout Formula 1 history, Norris, who has signed a new deal with McLaren, highlighted that top drivers rarely walk away from dominant environments without clear foresight.
"You know, when people have left, when Lewis Hamilton left, he left in a new era of Mercedes, and he kind of prepared himself for when Mercedes were gonna be very, very strong," Norris explained. "I mean, I'm sure he had a good idea about some of these things. It wasn't like he was winning everything with McLaren and then only decided to leave, nor was Michael Schumacher. So, you know, I don't think anyone's decided to leave while being very successful."
Applying that logic to the current grid, Norris argued that front-running drivers such as Verstappen, who was linked with McLaren, and Charles Leclerc have every reason to stay put.
"I feel like there's no reason for Max to leave when he knows he's with a team that could win more championships," said Norris. "There's no reason for Charles to leave when he knows he can probably win more championships with Ferrari."
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For the Briton, the exact same principle governs his own future. Currently enjoying strong competitive form with McLaren, Norris made it clear that he feels no urge to explore alternative opportunities in the paddock.
"So for me, I believe I can win more championships with McLaren, and there's no reason for me to wanna leave," he stated. "Certainly for me, I would be very, very happy and proud to only be with McLaren my whole career. For me, that's a perfect thing."
Norris explained that his career decisions boil down to two essential pillars: competitive potential and team environment.
"I guess it's two big decisions for me. One is can we win more championships? Do I believe I'm with a team that can give me a car to deliver back for them and win more races, world championships together? Easy PR said yes," Norris elaborated. "And do I enjoy the company? Do I enjoy the people that I'm working with? And for me, this is pretty close in terms of almost fifty-fifty on an equal playing field to do I believe I can win with this team."
Because both conditions are met at McLaren, Norris feels no temptation to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
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"Therefore, I don't wanna go to a team that kind of maybe has an equal opportunity to just do something new," he concluded. "I'd rather be with people that I enjoy spending time with and stay with the family that gave me the chance in Formula One. There's no reason to change at all."
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