“Besides Max, Your Career Just Ends”: Young F1 Star Warned of Team-Mate Killer Verstappen as Tempting Red Bull Shortcut Remains a Realistic Possibility

In his 4 seasons in F1, Lando Norris has gained a lot of good reputation. Despite not being a race winner, the 23-year-old has earned enough plaudits to stand in equal regard with the best. Though, McLaren has faltered in fulfilling his championship ambitions. This often raises the question of whether Norris should have joined some top team like Red Bull. But, as tempting as Lando’s potential besides Max Verstappen seems, a former Dutch driver has advised the Briton to stay away from the Bulls.

Speaking with the FORMULE 1 magazine, motorsport veteran Tom Coronel expressed his views on Norris’ decision to not take the shortcut to Red Bull. He stated, “Whether he [Lando Norris] should sit next to Max [Verstappen]? – No. Then he will get the same as all those others.” [translated via Google]

Coronel referred to how Verstappen has been a teammate killer. Thus his warning-type views on Norris being at RBR. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez have all been the victims of Max’s dominant pace. He thinks it’s wise of Lando to not be Verstappen’s teammate or else he may have suffered the same fate as these other drivers.

Tom further added, “Besides Max, your career just ends. It was wise of Norris not to go to Red Bull. It is better to wait for another opportunity. He actually does that now.” Coronel firmly believes it is better for Lando’s future to look for opportunities elsewhere.

Despite him being stuck at McLaren until 2025, the Briton has got age on his side to find a competitive drive. Though, Red Bull has expressed interest in Norris previously. So the shortcut path to championship success via Red Bull’s factory is a realistic possibility for Lando.

Read More: Should Lando Norris Follow Andreas Seidl Out of McLaren Doors?

But, Christian Horner joked about it this year, that whenever they have approached the British prodigy, he had signed up a new contract. So, the Red Bull-Norris partnership may be distant for now. Yet, Norris has got a search to do to achieve his F1 success goals.

What are the Options for Lando Norris in the future besides Red Bull?

Red Bull’s previous talks may give them an edge if Lando decides to come on the market. Given he knows Max well and is quite fast, RBR won’t hesitate to sign him up. But, Norris may not want to be Verstappen’s wingman. So, the Milton Keynes outfit might have to deal with a driver dynamic situation.

Apart from Red Bull, the Briton may also look toward Mercedes. Given their current all-British lineup and his affinity with George Russell, Mercedes can give a great package to Norris. The Silver Arrows may also find a good replacement when Lewis Hamilton walks away sometime in the upcoming years.

Though, another wild card team that has suddenly raised its stock is Alfa Romeo (Sauber). With Audi coming in 2026, Norris has got his former McLaren boss, Andreas Seidl, over there. So, this might just be a good passage for Norris to move over to a big team like Audi when his contract with the Woking team gets over.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lando Norris frustrated with his McLaren machinery, shows it the finger

Looking at his consistent performance, Norris will get a lot of offers if he decides to part ways with the papaya outfit. But, for now, he hopes to turn the fortunes for McLaren to bring them glory. Still, do you think Norris will ever sign up for Red Bull or Mercedes?