Red Bull Racing’s driver line-up is under heavy scrutiny right now, with the future of both drivers currently under discussion.
Sergio Perez has entered the final year of his contract, while Max Verstappen is being courted by several teams on the grid.
Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on the Weekend Warm-Up, journalist Lawrence Barretto has shared who Christian Horner might target if the Dutchman decides it’s time to move on.
The Formula 1 driver’s market is going to kick into action sooner rather than later with so many racers out of contract for 2025.
However, drivers won’t want to commit until they know a better option isn’t on the table.
Racing for Red Bull would be the dream for the majority of drivers on the grid, whether they have a contract for next year or not.
Barretto now believes that one driver who is already signed up for next year is on their radar.
He thinks that if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull, they will once again target McLaren star Lando Norris.
The 24-year-old star has been on McLaren’s books throughout his career, but could he be tempted by a switch to the current champions?
READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from height and parents to celebration
Red Bull could target Lando Norris if Max Verstappen leaves
It wouldn’t be the first time that Red Bull had shown an interest in the young Brit.
He’s been on their radar for some time and even earlier this year was touted as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez.
Where a Verstappen exit would leave the Mexican is another matter as Red Bull might not want a completely new line-up for 2025 if the three-time world champion moves on.
There are three world champions currently on the grid but the only one who would be available next year is Fernando Alonso.
While he’s interested in the move, the 42-year-old might not be the long-term solution Horner desires.
Red Bull could instead turn their attention to Lando Norris should Verstappen act on the interest shown by the likes of Aston Martin or Mercedes.
While they’re very close friends off the track, the Brit might be more tempted by an offer because the three-time world champion is no longer there.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Lando Norris could be forced into a big decision over his future
Journalist Will Buxton asked Barretto: “Do you think Red Bull, if Max [Verstappen] leaves, do you think they’d make the highly anticipated move for Lando Norris that they’ve been trying to make for years?”
Barretto replied: “You know, history suggests of course they’re going to have a go at Lando [Norris]! Why would they not have a go at Lando?
“They’ve been trying basically every single year. OK, he’s got a contract at McLaren but that hasn’t really stopped them in the past and why would they not try to go after the driver they really want?
“And Lando’s thinking will probably change slightly if Max isn’t at the team.
“I know he’s very happy at McLaren, he calls them his family, and I’m sure at this moment in time he sees himself there.
“But, he doesn’t know what’s going to happen when the phone goes, does he and how he’s going to feel?”
Red Bull move would offer Norris more hope of achieving first F1 win
There is a very obvious reason why Lando Norris would seriously consider replacing Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
He holds the record for most podium finishes without a race win and joining a team with the fastest car on the grid would certainly boost his chances of losing that record.
Norris would likely fancy his chances in a head-to-head battle with Perez, who surprised his current teammate Oscar Piastri in Australia with how slow he was.
There are plenty of moving pieces that need to fall into place before a move of this magnitude takes place.
It also comes down to whether Norris would decide to find a way out of his newly-signed contract, or if he believes that he can achieve the success he desires in papaya.
The post ‘Going to have a go’: Lawrence Barretto suggests Red Bull could move for 24-year-old star if Verstappen leaves appeared first on F1 Oversteer.