The F1 paddock is no stranger to mind games, on-track rivalries, and paddock politics. But what’s rarer is a moment of pure, cheeky humor that cuts through the tension like a knife. Lando Norris, managed just that, expertly pranking Red Bull’s formidable taskmaster just hours before Helmut Marko openly declared Norris as a perfect fit to join the RBR. Amid growing rumors and speculation just days before the Italian GP, Zak Brown confirmed that Norris would remain at McLaren through the end of the 2025 season, rejecting any notion of releasing Norris early. Could this impish gesture signal Norris’s elusive thoughts about the possibility of a switch?

Despite McLaren declaring that Norris will remain with them until the end of the 2025 season, thus dousing cold water on any immediate transfer plans. But Marko remains unfazed. Notably, this youthful prank did not dent Marko’s professional admiration for Norris. In fact, after the prank, Marko was rather direct: “Norris is definitely a candidate for us. He would suit us very well in terms of youth and speed.” It’s a high compliment, especially coming from Marko, who is known for his stringent evaluations of driver talent. Given the Austrian’s historical focus on young talent like Max Verstappen, Marko’s comments suggest that in Norris, he might have found another driver he’s willing to back.

At the Italian GP, the jovial Norris, evidently in high spirits, spiced up the atmosphere with a well-crafted prank on Red Bull’s notorious talent spotter and advisor. While scooting around the paddock on his self-balancing scooter, Norris appeared to wave to someone in the distance. As Marko approached and thought Norris was waving at him, he waved back. Only then did he realize that the McLaren driver was actually signaling to a teammate, tapping him from behind as part of his mischief. It was a cheeky move that not only brought some laughs but also seemingly punctuated the fact that, for now, Norris remains a McLaren man through and through.

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What makes this pre-race prank so delicious is the timing. It happened right before Helmut Marko publicly spoke about his keen interest in having Norris as a Red Bull driver to replace Sergio Perez. It was a light-hearted exchange, but one that framed the intensifying Norris-Red Bull narrative in a whimsical light. While Marko and Norris share light-hearted moments off the track, another voice has added a new layer of complexity.

Nico Rosberg weighs in: Could Lando Norris make the switch?

Amid the ongoing speculation, Nico Rosberg’s comments during the Italian GP further stirred the pot. Rosberg, who has a keen understanding of the paddock dynamics, suggested that a “switch” might already be in the cards for Norris for the next season. This came even though Norris is under contract with McLaren until 2025.

Rosberg told Sky Sports: “Where’s he [Norris] going? Next year already, I hear there’s a switch coming.” This insight has fueled the debate, especially since McLaren’s Zak Brown has continually expressed confidence that Norris would remain loyal to McLaren and see out his contract. Brown emphasized McLaren’s stability and potential for championship contention as significant factors for Norris’ continued commitment.

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