Norris 'Definitely In Red Bull's Focus' Despite Long-Term Contract
F1Wednesday, 24 April 2024 at 19:30
Helmut Marko spoke about Lando Norris after the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, saying he is definitely in Red Bull's focus concerning potential future drivers.
Lando Norris surprised everyone and even himself with his performance during the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, finishing in second place.
Although the safety car played into his cards, the 24-year-old also managed to beat Sergio Perez (who finished third in the end) on a much faster Red Bull.
Red Bull Racing's team principal, Christian Horner, said in the past that Red Bull would be interested in the McLaren F1 driver. However, he signed a long-term deal with McLaren ahead of this season, which puts him out of the window for the 2025 seat,
Nevertheless, Helmut Marko told Servus TV the team from Milton Keynes keeps a close eye on Norris's situation: "He is young and is definitely in our focus."
The 24-year-old extended his unlucky record for the highest amount of podiums without a single race win during the most recent weekend at Shanghai International Circuit. He currently has 15 podiums.
The Red Bull's motorsport advisor was spotted talking to Norris' father during the weekend, and when he was asked what the conversation was about, he said:
"His father always jokes that Lando won't get his first Grand Prix victory until Max retires. I told him to come to us, then it will definitely be quicker."
Norris himself jokingly told Sky Sports after the race in China that every time he finishes second behind Verstappen, he takes it as a victory. While it was in a joking way, this statement only underlines his current situation.
Nonetheless, he shows immense potential, and Red Bull is aware of it. Though they are committed to McLaren for a few more seasons, Marko told Kleine Zeitung that both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri would be attractive to Red Bull in the future.
"In any case, Norris has a contract until 2026, so he is not an option in the short term, as is Oscar Piastri. But both drivers are definitely interesting for us in the future."
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