Going To Red Bull Not 'Worth The Risk' For Lando Norris Says Herbert

F1
Saturday, 30 December 2023 at 17:00
norris lando mclaren imago motorsportimages
Former F1 racing driver Johnny Herbert recently suggested going to Red Bull is not the best option for Lando Norris at this point in time.
There have been a lot of speculations around potential candidates for the second seat in Red Bull throughout the 2023 season due to Sergio Perez's insufficient performances on multiple occasions.
Drivers like Lando Norris, Alex Albon, Daniel Ricciardo, or even Fernando Alonso were suggested to be in talks with Red Bull over the second seat, according to various rumors.
While Albon and Alonso don't seem to have the desire to go to Red Bull, Ricciardo recently mentioned it would be a dream to finish his career with the team from Milton Keynes.
While many would also like to see Norris in Red Bull, he said he would like to achieve the Championship with his team - McLaren. Johnny Herbert gave his 2 cents on the Papaya driver's situation as he told Express:
"I think if we do it just from a driver’s perspective, you’re always going to try and work out what’s going to benefit you. Now is the risk of him going to Red Bull worth it in the situation that he finds himself?"
With recent upgrades, it seems it might be possible for Norris to compete for the Championship even with McLaren which would be the ideal scenario for him as his contract lasts until the end of season 2025.
 "McLaren [are] doing really, really well… McLaren love having him in the team. He delivers when the car is working properly… Is it worth the risk? Personally no, I don’t think it is worth the risk."
Verstappen suggested McLaren might be the biggest threat to Red Bull in 2024 based on their development pace throughout the most recent season. Herbert believes Norris should stay with the Papaya team while he gains more experience.
"He’s still young, he’s still going to get better, he’s still going to improve and at the moment, McLaren are on a very good trajectory to, you know, get themselves maybe in a stronger position for next year."