Lando Norris has responded directly to the growing threat of Max Verstappen arriving at McLaren for 2027, insisting he believes he can “beat any driver” the team could put alongside him.
According to a fresh update from PlanetF1.com, the reigning world champion addressed the rumours for the first time this week, with Verstappen’s advanced talks over a switch to Woking dominating paddock conversation ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Norris, who pipped Verstappen to last year’s title by two points, said he now feels “a little bit more of a complete driver,” adding: “I do believe I can beat any driver.”
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Exit Clause Edges Closer To Activation
Sky Sports reports that Verstappen’s rear-wing failure at Silverstone, which pitched him into the gravel while running third, means it is no longer mathematically possible for the champion to reach the top two of the drivers’ championship by the summer break. That performance clause in his Red Bull contract is understood to activate after the Hungarian Grand Prix, freeing him to explore a move despite a deal running to 2028.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has played down the speculation, saying talks with Verstappen’s camp “didn’t go anywhere” and that Norris and Oscar Piastri’s names remain “engraved” on their seats. Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, told Racer suggestions his driver could make way were simply “fiction,” though Piastri’s slip to sixth after Silverstone has kept the rumour mill turning.
Norris called the speculation “not a serious thing,” noting “a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren” beyond Verstappen. McLaren arrive at Spa still hunting a first win of 2026, only now fitting Mercedes’ upgraded power unit for the Belgian Grand Prix as the FIA’s active aero rules at Spa test every team’s straight-line speed.
