Windsor predicts: Will Norris replace Verstappen in a potential move to Mercedes?

There are currently rumors about Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull. GPblog understands that the Dutchman prefers to stay. One of his two conditions has been met, with the dismissal of Christian Horner. Only if no progress is found performance-wise with a view to 2026, there might be a possibility that Verstappen changes his mind.

Windsor was asked whether Norris might go to Red Bull if he does not become champion with McLaren in 2025. This could potentially make him a replacement for Verstappen. The Australian said, "It's a difficult one. He has signed a long-term contract, wasn't it? So he signed that, and I remember saying at the time, I'm a bit shocked by that because that means he's kind of locking himself into a teammate as quick as Oscar Piastri."

Windsor continued that Norris loves McLaren and CEO Zak Brown. "But as you say, it won't be so glad happy if Oscar wins the championship. And then his thoughts will turn back to Hungary last year when he gave Oscar that win, I guess. And he'll think, I've had enough of this."

Still, Windsor sees obstacles for a potential move to Red Bull: "But to go to Red Bull, they'd have to buy him out of his McLaren contract. It would have been a lot of money to Zak on that one. And quite a big deal to do that. I think McLaren are quite capable of saying to Lando if he does lose to Oscar, oh, it'll be your championship in 26."

Still, the Australian emphasised that it would be 'empty words'. After all, no one knows yet what the pecking order will be in 2026. The upcoming season will be driven under new regulations, which could change a lot.

Currently, Norris is only eight points behind teammate Piastri in the drivers' standings, with the title battle's continuing in Spa two weeks from now.