F1 Pundit Outlines Shock Theory over Max Verstappen Being Replaced by Lando Norris at Red Bull

Peter Windsor reckons that Lando Norris could replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull if the Dutchman does decide to ditch Milton Keynes.

F1 Pundit Outlines Shock Theory over Max Verstappen Being Replaced by Lando Norris at Red Bull

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

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Red Bull is undergoing a very challenging phase currently as it loses multiple key personnel. Milton Keynes has fired the longest-serving team principal, Christian Horner, from the squad amid poor results. Now, even the golden boy at Red Bull, Max Verstappen, is allegedly looking at his options to leave the team. Amidst the faltering state of the Austrian outfit, F1 pundit Peter Windsor reckons that Lando Norris could be in the mix to join the team if Verstappen were to leave them in the coming season.

Lando Norris was thought to be the No. 1 driver at McLaren in the previous seasons due to his dominant pace on the grid. However, in the 2025 season, Oscar Piastri has so far managed to outperform Norris by quite a margin in only his third year in F1. Now, many people question if the Briton has ever been the priority for Woking or he’s just there to play the team game as he seems to lose his running for the drivers’ title against Piastri.

Peter Windsor believes that Lando Norris wouldn’t be too happy to be beaten by Oscar Piastri for the drivers’ title at McLaren. Windsor asserted that Norris would recall all the moments he helped push Piastri to score great results, particularly the Hungarian GP Sprint win. Ultimately, the 25-year-old would be done with playing the team game and want to make something of his own at a different team, and clearly be the No.1 driver.

But as you say, he (Lando Norris) 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.

Peter Windsor said on his YouTube channel, @peterwindsor

For Lando Norris to move to Red Bull, the team would need to outbid his current contract at McLaren. Zak Brown would have spent quite a fortune on retaining Norris amidst his improving form. However, if things do not improve for the Briton, the team could clearly mark him as the secondary driver to Oscar Piastri as soon as the 2026 season. Woking would ultimately favor Piastri to fight for the drivers’ title against his teammate.

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.

Peter Windsor added

Peter Windsor asserts Lando Norris’ move to Red Bull ‘difficult’

Lando Norris signed a long-term contract with McLaren in the 2024 season following a very dominant pace from the team. Despite being the fastest, Norris being unable to trump Oscar Piastri in the championship wouldn’t make him happy with his state. As such, the 25-year-old would then look at his options in the team and take a leap in his career if he feels restricted at Woking.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via Getty)
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via Getty)

Peter Windsor pointed out that Lando Norris signed a long-term deal with McLaren as it could prevent him from suddenly switching teams. Windsor reckoned that the contract extension wasn’t sensible at the time as he locked himself with an extremely quick driver in Oscar Piastri. The long-term extension will cause Norris difficulties in switching teams, as now he cannot switch to Red Bull out of the blue.

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.

Peter Windsor noted

McLaren has emerged as the fastest team on the grid, as Lando Norris seems to be very happy with his current situation. However, Norris might consider a switch if his requirements aren’t met in the team. Regardless, the 25-year-old will focus on the 2025 season as he is adrift of the drivers’ title by just eight points to Piastri.

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