Verstappen's move not a 'serious thing' | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Lando Norris played down speculation linking Max Verstappen to McLaren, calling the reports “a cool thing” but “not a serious thing.” Speaking in Silverstone, England, on Thursday as he prepares for the home British Grand Prix, Norris reacted to claims that Verstappen’s management had requested and held a meeting with McLaren ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, according to outlets including Sky Sports. Norris said he does not know how much is true, while emphasizing that he and teammate Oscar Piastri are functioning well together and remain focused on the future. McLaren CEO Zak Brown said on the Up To Speed podcast released Wednesday that Norris and Piastri are “not going anywhere,” and that Verstappen would be considered only if McLaren had an opening. Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028, with indications of possible earlier exit options. Norris also suggested he could compete at the front even if Verstappen became his teammate.