By Joe Murphy
Lando Norris is one of the most talented drivers on the grid. Of that, there is little doubt. The young British driver entering yet another season of the sport means Norris is far from the rookie he was in 2019, in fact he’s an experienced driver by this point.
However, whilst he has experienced many highs in the sport, that first win is still alluding him. He has never quite been able to capitalise on other driver’s misfortune, the weather or even some strong McLaren performance. He had opportunities too. Don’t forget that Ricciardo pipped him to a win in Monza whilst the pair raced in orange cars together. Moreover, he would have won in Russia had he pitted a lap or two earlier and who can forget the epic battle at Silverstone with Max Verstappen.
Wheel2Wheel Reports has repeatedly stated that his first win is definitely a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’, but this doesn’t mean he will do this at McLaren. Sure, the team are competitive at this moment in time, but they have never been able to sustain a challenge in the last decade. Poor starts to the season have cost the constructor.
So where could he go? Well to learn from his former teammate Ricciardo’s mistakes, a sideways or even backwards move is never the answer. Somewhere like Aston Martin would be risky and not necessarily reap the rewards. He’s be better if staying in orange.
What about Ferrari? I mean the historic team would be mad to not be interested in Lando, but does he oust Sainz from his seat? Does a race winner get removed for someone who hasn’t won one yet? I’m not convinced. Possibly, it depends on how the next 12-24 months go from the Spaniard. I don’t see Charles Leclerc being replaced anyway.
Red Bull? Maybe. Max Verstappen is about as safe as it is possible to be in his seat. If Checo departs, there is a chance Lando gets offered that space. The only issue here is would Lando want to be second driver? His required salary would suggest not. Furthermore, Red Bull could be more likely to opt for someone in their ranks like Yuki Tsunoda, the aforementioned Ricciardo or even Liam Lawson. That being said, this decision hasn’t really worked for the team in the past, just ask Pierre Gasly or Alex Albon. Either way, I couldn’t see Lando turning down the reigning Constructors Champions in any event.
Then there was one. The only other realistic option for Lando other than to stay at McLaren is Mercedes. I believe the most likely situation is for Lewis Hamilton to retire in the next two-three years, and this to open up a seat that Lando would be perfect for. Him alongside George Russell keeps the line up all-British and the team could dominate F1 for years with that partnership. Who else would Mercedes bring in? Nyck de Vries has seen his stock fall dramatically since is F1 debut. Estaban Ocon is no longer on the radar and a shock move for Alex Albon doesn’t carry the same weight as one for the current McLaren driver.
When his current contract is up, a move to Mercedes looks the most likely, on the basis that Lewis Hamilton departs. Whether this will happen or not, time will tell.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 