McLaren pressure grows as new F1 threat surfaces amid Lando Norris to Red Bull rumours

Lando Norris has been consistently rumored to be considering a move to Red Bull, and his rookie teammate, Oscar Piastri, has also made an impact in his debut F1 season. To retain both drivers, McLaren must continue their improvement.

It’s not just Lando Norris who expects ongoing progress from McLaren; Oscar Piastri is also emphasizing the need for constant development from the team, given that both drivers are attracting interest from rival teams.

McLaren boasts one of the most youthful and exciting driver line-ups on the Formula 1 grid with Norris completing five seasons as the team’s central figure. However, Piastri’s impressive rookie season has added another dimension to the team, making them a promising force with drivers aged 24 and 22.

Despite their strong performances, the allure of top teams has led to increased attention on Norris and Piastri. To prevent losing these rising stars to more competitive competitors, McLaren must sustain their upward trajectory.

Following a standout 2023 season, Piastri anticipates further progress in the upcoming campaign, expressing the team’s goal to consistently replicate the success of their best weekends this year. However, he acknowledges the fierce competition from teams like Mercedes and Ferrari.

Having secured a contract extension until the end of 2026, Piastri is committed to McLaren. Norris, with a deal until 2025, is also in their plans for a renewed contract to bolster their position against potential rivals.

Red Bull, particularly, has shown a keen interest in Norris over the years, and team principal Christian Horner has publicly expressed admiration for Piastri. With a potential seat opening at Red Bull in 2024, McLaren faces a crucial 12 months to ensure they can retain their talented young drivers for the long term, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s future.