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<\/p>\nThe boss of McLaren has battered off suggestions that Lando Norris could be set to leave the Woking-based team after the F1 driver admitted that he would love to be teammates with Max Verstappen. Norris notched his third podium appearance of the season after finishing second at last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. It was the British driver’s third runners-up placing in 2023.<\/p>\n
But he sent chins wagging in Italy recently when he was asked outright if he would want to partner with defending world champion Verstappen in the future. And the 23-year-old did little to play down his future ambitions by clearly admitting that he would like to work alongside the Dutchman.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters in Monza, he said: \u201cIt\u2019s definitely something I would be open to in the future. I think I can happily say that Max is probably one of the best drivers ever in the history of Formula 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019d be great to work alongside someone like that and, at the same time, see where I can really stand against him. I\u2019d be open for it. I mean, I invited him to McLaren the other day so if he wants to come any time he\u2019s very welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norris is currently eighth in the Drivers’ Championship on 97 points, with 10 top 10 finishes to his name, including in the last seven races.<\/p>\n
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But when his interesting comments were put to Zak Brown in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, the McLaren CEO brushed aside suggestions that the British team could be on course to lose their star driver, pointing out that anyone would want to work alongside Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso.<\/p>\n
Brown told press conference host Tom Clarkson: \u201cI think he was just responding to a question he was asked \u2013 I think everyone else is stirring it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they\u2019re good buddies. I think if you ask any racing driver if they want to race another competitor, I think you\u2019ll always get an answer of \u2018oh, I\u2019d love to be Lewis\u2019 team-mate, or Max\u2019s team-mate or Fernando\u2019s team-mate\u2019.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cSo, I think everyone has picked up a question he has answered and stirred it a little bit and that\u2019s Formula 1. But that\u2019s alright. He\u2019s in a good place.\u201d<\/p>\n Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but when reporters turned the question on its head and asked Brown about the possibility of Verstappen joining McLaren, the team boss appeared as open to the idea as Norris had been.<\/p>\n Brown said: \u201cIt\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve been asked that question! I think any time you have a driver of that calibre, if there\u2019s an open seat, of course, but we\u2019re very happy with our two racing drivers.\u201d<\/p>\n
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