F1 News Today: McLaren Make Shock Move for Max Verstappen as Lando Norris F…read more
McLaren Make Shock Move for Max Verstappen as Lando Norris Fires Brutal Swipe
The Formula 1 world is buzzing with speculation after reports emerged that McLaren has made a sensational approach to sign reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Despite being under contract with Red Bull until 2028, mounting internal tensions and performance concerns have fueled rumors that Verstappen’s exit may already be in motion and McLaren is reportedly ready to pounce.
According to multiple sources, McLaren has reached out to Verstappen’s camp, exploring the possibility of luring him away from Red Bull amid growing uncertainty within the Milton Keynes-based team. Team Principal Christian Horner has insisted Verstappen is staying put, but insiders suggest that the Dutch star may be weighing his options more seriously than ever.
The potential move comes during McLaren’s resurgence in the 2025 season. The team currently leads both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, marking a dramatic turnaround after years of rebuilding. With Zak Brown at the helm, the Woking-based squad has re-established itself as a front-running team one that could realistically offer Verstappen a competitive car and a stable environment.
Zak Brown recently hinted at major changes on the horizon in the F1 driver market, even suggesting Verstappen could land at Mercedes if Red Bull’s internal situation continues to deteriorate. However, McLaren’s swift rise has now put them in the running as a more appealing option.
Amid this swirling speculation, McLaren star Lando Norris hasn’t held back when speaking about his would-be teammate. After a fiery clash with Verstappen at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, Norris labeled the Dutchman’s driving style as “reckless” and accused him of making “desperate moves” under pressure.
Norris added further fuel to the rivalry earlier this season after clinching a stunning victory at the Miami Grand Prix a win that ended a long drought for British drivers and seemed to directly answer Verstappen’s previous jabs at their lack of success.
“I don’t need to say anything — the result speaks for itself,” Norris said post-race, in what many saw as a thinly veiled dig at Verstappen.
Whether Verstappen would be willing to share a garage with the outspoken Brit remains uncertain, but the possibility of the two pairing up in McLaren colors would undoubtedly make for one of the most explosive lineups in recent memory.
With Red Bull under scrutiny, Mercedes searching for a Hamilton replacement, and McLaren rising as a genuine title contender, the 2025 driver market could be on the verge of a seismic shake-up — and Max Verstappen might just be the catalyst.
