Lando Norris says "I can beat any driver" when asked about potentially having Max Verstappen as teammate

Speculation that Verstappen may follow his long-time Race Engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, and other Red Bull senior staff to McLaren is refusing to die out despite CEO Zak Brown downplaying it over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

Red Bull Racing have been reportedly flirting with Oscar Piastri, who has reportedly been disenchanted with how Papaya Rules were applied in 2025 when Norris took the Drivers' Title.

That has fueled rumors that a direct swap would see Verstappen in Woking and Piastri in Milton Keynes.

“To be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren," Norris told the media in Silverstone, "so I don’t know why you just highlight Max! There are quite a few others that I know who [want to] come as well.

“It’s a cool thing," he insisted. "It’s a good thing that a four-time World Champion wants to come on board and wants to potentially join the team—I don’t know how much of it’s true.

"It’s a cool thing, and if there’s an opportunity for me to drive with other people, that’s something I’ve always looked forward to, but it’s not a thing for now. It’s not a serious thing.

“I’m also just excited for my future with McLaren—I'm still going to be here for many more years.

"I’m excited for whoever I get partnered with, but for the time being, Oscar [Piastri] and I are working very well together, and we’re excited to work together for more years too. That’s our focus for now," he maintained.

But having Verstappen as a teammate has proven to be a nightmare to many drivers. However, Norris is unfazed; he said: "I do believe I can beat any driver.

“I think what makes Max so incredible is how he is over the course of a season; every single weekend performing to the level that he does is what’s impressive. I think a lot of drivers on the grid can go out and get a pole and can put in incredible laps.

“What makes people great and elite is performing at that level, but in every practice, every Qualifying, every race. I think that’s something Max is able to do probably better than almost everyone.

“I believe whether it’s him or having a chance to go against Lewis [Hamilton] or Fernando [Alonso]—any of the drivers that people know are some of the best—I think it’s a cool opportunity for me at the same time.

"Excited for whatever may come my way in the future," Norris concluded. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)