Nico Rosberg Teases Potential Lando Norris Shift to Red Bull in 2024 F1 Season
In a revealing discussion during the Italian Grand Prix, former F1 champion Nico Rosberg suggested a possible team switch for Lando Norris in 2024. Amidst ongoing speculation, Norris himself expressed openness to joining Red Bull and racing alongside Max Verstappen.
Key Takeaways:
- Nico Rosberg, during the Sky Sports F1 broadcast, hinted at Lando Norris potentially moving to Red Bull in 2024, sparking widespread speculation in the F1 community.
- Lando Norris acknowledged the possibility of joining Red Bull, citing the appeal of competing with Max Verstappen, which aligns with Verstappen’s own comments about teaming up with Norris.
- Despite the rumors, contractual obligations remain a significant barrier. Norris is tied with McLaren until the end of 2025, and Sergio Perez is contracted with Red Bull through 2024, with team principal Christian Horner affirming Perez’s secure position for the upcoming season.
In an intriguing twist to the 2024 Formula 1 driver lineup, former champion Nico Rosberg recently hinted at a potential team switch for McLaren’s Lando Norris. During the third and final free practice session of the Italian Grand Prix, broadcasted by Sky Sports F1, Rosberg mentioned a forthcoming “switch” for Norris, igniting a flurry of speculation across the F1 world.
The possibility of Norris moving to Red Bull was brought into sharper focus when the driver himself commented on the prospect. Speaking to the media prior to the race weekend, Norris said, “It’s definitely something I would be open to in the future. I think it’d be great to work alongside someone like that [Max Verstappen] and, at the same time, see where I can really stand against him. I’d be open for it.” This openness to a team change aligns intriguingly with Max Verstappen’s earlier revelation about frequent discussions with Norris regarding them becoming teammates.
Adding to the intrigue, Rosberg further fueled the rumors by stating, “Where’s he going? Next year already, I hear there’s a switch coming.” This comment comes amid a season filled with discussions about Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull, particularly given his challenges in matching Verstappen’s performance in the RB19.
However, it’s crucial to note that any potential move for Norris faces significant contractual hurdles. Norris’s current agreement with McLaren extends until the end of 2025. Given the team’s recent upturn in performance, loyalty to McLaren, where he has raced since his debut in 2019, seems a strong likelihood. Concurrently, Perez’s contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2024. Despite Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr. Helmut Marko’s comments about Perez’s future being performance-dependent, team principal Christian Horner has firmly stated that Perez’s place in the team is secure for 2024.
As the F1 world continues to speculate on Norris’s future, one thing remains clear: the driver market for the upcoming seasons promises to be as dynamic and unpredictable as the races themselves.
