With the Monza racetrack prepping for the Italian GP this weekend, there’s more than just tire rubber heating up. A new revelation surrounding Lando Norris‘ potential future outside McLaren has set the paddock abuzz. Speaking to an Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Andrea Stella took a moment to reminisce about the unforgettable times he spent at Ferrari for nearly a decade and a half.

But while the past lingers, it’s the future that’s making headlines. The fact that McLaren beat Ferrari in the 2021 Italian GP with a double podium finish from Ricciardo and Norris is still fresh. However, Stella wasn’t at the helm of McLaren’s operations then. Now, with the reins of responsibility in his hands, Stella’s primary concern is retaining talent.

Machine for magic

Norris, the young British sensation, has showcased qualities that have turned heads not just in the stands but in the boardrooms of rival teams. Speculations have been rife about the youngster being eyed by competitors, notably Red Bull Racing.

Stella’s candid statement confirms these speculations, “It’s natural, if I were in another team, I would try to understand how to take him.” Moreover, Stella hinted at the team’s ambition to provide both Norris and rising star Oscar with a car competitive enough that keeping the drivers becomes an easier task. It sends a clear message: Give them the machine, and they’ll deliver the magic.

However, in the game of chess that is Formula 1, every move is countered by another. While Stella’s confidence is admirable, Zak Brown and McLaren’s leadership need to be on their toes. This is especially so with rivals like Red Bull lurking. The fight for the championship is one thing, but the battle behind the scenes to secure the best talents for future seasons is equally fierce.

Lando Norris to Red Bull: More Than Just Speculation?

The question that keeps resurfacing: Lando Norris to Red Bull, is it a possibility? Despite long-term commitments, the notion of Norris shifting gears to Red Bull has become the paddock’s favorite reoccurring rumor.

Max Verstappen, F1’s reigning champion, sits comfortably in his dominating Red Bull. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, though talented, struggles to consistently secure the anticipated 1-2 for the team. Norris, after his memorable performance against Daniel Ricciardo, has showcased he might be one of the few on the grid capable of rivaling Verstappen within the Red Bull team.

The rumors aren’t entirely baseless. This July, a meeting between Red Bull’s advisor, Helmut Marko, and Norris’s manager, Mark Berryman, stirred some intrigue. While Marko’s statements about Norris being a “strong fit for Red Bull” are balanced with reservations about team dynamics, his acknowledgment that Verstappen and Norris share a camaraderie suggests a partnership might be in the team’s best interest. Verstappen and Norris’s own words only fuel this fire.

Read More: “Make Myself Look Like an Idiot”: Lando Norris Regrets X Rated Exchange to Defend McLaren’s Stupidity

Norris’s admiration for Verstappen is evident. And Verstappen reciprocates with a playful jab at Norris’s current contract with McLaren. Though Verstappen rules out any immediate move, both drivers seem warm to the idea of pairing up.

However, the reality isn’t as simple. Norris is tied to McLaren till 2025, and the astronomical cost of breaking that contract would likely deter Red Bull. Plus, with McLaren’s recent improvements, Norris might not be in any hurry to leave.

Yet, one cannot overlook the enticing picture a Verstappen-Norris Red Bull team paints. The current dominance of Verstappen paired with a potential rise in competition over the next few seasons calls for a more formidable Red Bull lineup. While considering Norris an automatic upgrade over Perez is arguably unfair, the British driver’s consistent performance at McLaren hints he could challenge Verstappen more regularly.

If Verstappen and Norris are genuinely considering this partnership, one can’t help but hope for some off-the-record maneuvering to turn this F1 dream team into a reality.

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