Follow us on Google Discover Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is anything but certain, and they should look towards one driver who has been ‘admired’ by the team in the past to replace him if he does end up leaving the Austrian constructor.
The Dutchman’s future was thrown into question mid-way through the current campaign following reports that Verstappen wanted out of Red Bull in favour of a shock switch to his formerly fierce rivals, Mercedes.
However, the rumours died down after the 28-year-old’s performance clause was considered satisfied, and he seems to be happy in his current environment after returning to race-winning form in recent Grand Prix weekends.
That hasn’t stopped the possibility of him jumping ship, though. Red Bull reportedly struck a deal with Verstappen, which would see him stay at the team for their first year of the new 2026 regulations and let him make a decision following the conclusion of the new season.
That raises the question of who Red Bull should replace the outgoing four-time world champion with, and Lando Norris could see himself become the perfect candidate for when the time comes.
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Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesLando Norris could be the perfect candidate to replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull
There are a number of different reasons why Norris could be the perfect fit for Red Bull, with the fact that he is a proven race winner and podium sitter being two of them.
The British driver was a contender for a podium at most races way before the Woking-based racing outfit gave him a car that was capable of winning races, and he often extracted the majority of the potential out of McLaren’s F1 cars in the years preceding the current term.
As well as the solid results he can achieve on track for the multiple world championship-winning team, at 26 years old, he also offers a good avenue when it comes to the brand image of the team and the various brand deals he already has.
The monetary value that Norris could bring to the team would no doubt pad the pockets of the higher-ups within the stable of the Red Bull outfit.
Another thing to remember with his age is that he still has a number of years to continue racing in hopes of adding to his championship tally (if he goes ahead and secures one this season.
44-year-old Fernando Alonso recently alluded to how he has improved with age, which could go hand in hand with the chilled-out lifestyle that Norris leads away from the F1 paddock.
READ MORE: Juan Pablo Montoya sees a ‘favourite’ driver at McLaren between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
James Allen revealed how Red Bull have ‘always admired’ Lando Norris
Speaking on a recent episode of the Red Flags Podcast, former F1 commentator James Allen revealed how Red Bull have ‘always admired’ Norris, which can only add fuel to the flames surrounding his perfect fit for the Milton Keynes-based team.
On the topic of the futures of both current McLaren drivers, Allen said, “If you’re Lando and you win the world championship, you become quite attractive to other teams as well.
“Of course, he’s got a McLaren heritage, but I know Red Bull have always admired him, for example. If Max moves from Red Bull, they will need a top Grand Prix driver to fill that seat because you’re not going to do it with Hadjar.
“With all the best will in the world. I’m sure he’ll race one of the cars, but he’s not Max Verstappen and isn’t likely to become Max Verstappen for at least a few years. So, you need a top driver in that car.”
It would certainly be fascinating to see how the Formula 1 driver market plays out over the next 12 months. We could be looking at an entirely new-look grid for the start of the 2027 season.