Speaking on British GP media day, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are not too worried with rumours about Max Verstappen talking with McLaren F1 Team, as the Dutchman says he is happy to see upward Red Bull.
After host of rumours about Verstappen supposedly joining Mercedes in the last few seasons, the latest round of speculation has linked the Dutchman to McLaren, with reports suggesting that his management has held talks with that of the Woking-based F1 outfit, for a seat in future.
Rumour mill in full swing around Verstappen-McLaren
Naturally, all parties involved have denied the stories, but it was said the same about Mercedes, when in fact, Verstappen’s management did hold conversations with Toto Wolff. The Austrian ‘flirted’ with the idea of bringing in the Dutchman alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli, but it didn’t materialise.
For now, Mercedes can sit at the side, while the rumour mill of Verstappen and McLaren play out. The papaya F1 team has Norris and Piastri set for until the end of the 2027 season. But the contracts always come with a clause and if someone like the Dutchman’s stature wants a look-in, he will get it.
Norris says it is not just Verstappen but several others
But Norris is not too worried. In fact, he reveals that it is not only Verstappen but several have shown interest and it is a cool thing, which shows how far McLaren has come in F1. “To be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren,” he said in a press conference at the F1 British GP.
“I don’t know why you just highlight Max. There are quite a few others that I know that want to come as well. So no, I mean, it’s a cool thing. It’s a good thing that a four-time World Champion wants to come on board and wants to potentially join the team. I don’t know how much of it’s true, but it’s a cool thing.
“And if there’s an opportunity for me to drive with other people, it’s something I’ve always looked forward to. But it’s not a thing for now. It’s not a serious thing. And I’m also just excited for my future with McLaren. I’m still going to be here for many, many more years, so excited for whoever I get partnered with.
“But for the time being, me and Oscar are working very well together and we’re excited to work together for more years too. So that’s our focus for now,” summed up Norris, as teammate Piastri was chill as well about the ongoing rumours, which is nothing new for him.
Piastri is cool like Norris on Verstappen topic
He is in the same position as he has been with McLaren. “Yeah, for me, I mean, it doesn’t mean much,” said Piastri in his print media session at F1 British GP. “Obviously, Max is the talent he is, and looking around. I’m very happy with where I am.
“I’ve been told multiple times that the team are happy with me, and I trust them. So, for me, it doesn’t really mean much. Obviously, a contract in place as well. So, yeah, for me, it doesn’t change anything. I’m just trying to build on the success that I’ve had.”
Verstappen says if anything happens it will come from him, not via stories
For Verstappen, he reiterated his feelings that he has said recently. The Dutchman says if anything changes, it will come from him and not via someone’s scoop. He is happy at Red Bull, seeing the upward trend in recent races, which shows that they are slowly getting back into the F1 2026 game.
“I’m not going to involve myself in that,” said Verstappen in his print media session in F1 British GP. “I’ve said what I’ve wanted to say already before. If there is something new, or something that changes you will hear it from me and not from someone else writing it, right?
“I just focus on the job I have with my team, we are on the way up and that is nice to see. I had a really positive weekend in Austria, we’re just trying to improve from there further and there’s of course it can be quite tough, there’s a lot of competition, but we’re here just to try and go faster,” summed up Verstappen.
Norris sees improvement in his own driving from last year
When asked Norris if there is sense of belief that he can beat a four-time F1 champion like Verstappen, the reigning champion showed confidence in himself and his abilities, while also praising the capabilities of the Dutchman and his consistency to be there at every race and in every session.
He thinks he can take on even the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso if the opportunity arises, seeing himself as a more complete driver. “I certainly think I’ve improved compared to last year,” said Norris. “It’s also just a very different car to drive, and how you have to drive it is quite different. So, you have to adapt to those situations.
“I also feel like I’m certainly a little bit more of a complete driver. I’m able to adapt more to different situations and driving styles and characteristics that the car needs to be driven in. And I do believe I can… I think we have to just word it carefully. I do believe I can beat any driver.
Verstappen is exceptional but Norris has confidence to have a chance against him
“I think what makes Max so incredible is how he is over the course of the season, every single weekend, performing to the level that he does, is what’s impressive. I think a lot of drivers on the grid can go out and get a pole and can put in incredible laps.
“What makes people great and elite is performing at that level but in every practice, every qualifying, every race. And I think that’s something that Max is able to do probably better than almost everyone.
“So, yeah, I believe whether it’s him or having a chance to go against Lewis or Fernando, any of the people, the drivers that people know are some of the best, I think it’s a cool opportunity for me. At the same time, I’m excited for whatever may come my way in the future,” summed up Norris ahead of the F1 British GP.
