Lando Norris has reacted to recent reports that Max Verstappen\u2019s management held informal discussions to explore opportunities at McLaren, with the Briton believing that it shows how appealing his team have become.<\/p>\n
The question of where drivers will be on the grid for next season ramped up at the Austrian Grand Prix, with speculation continuing to home in on the Dutchman following his links with a move to Mercedes<\/a> last year.<\/p>\n This time around, Verstappen was linked to a McLaren<\/a> switch with sources saying the four-time World Champion’s team had an informal chat<\/a> with CEO Zak Brown, despite the 28-year-old having a contract with Red Bull<\/a> until the end of 2028.<\/p>\n Since securing his four Drivers\u2019 Championships with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Verstappen’s future has continued to be a talking point especially as Red Bull<\/a> haven\u2019t yet produced a race-winning car this season.<\/p>\n Asked about those reports ahead of the British Grand Prix<\/a>, current McLaren driver Norris<\/a> said: \u201cTo be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren, so I don\u2019t know why you just highlight Max! There are quite a few others that I know who [want to] come as well.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a cool thing. It\u2019s a good thing that a four-time World Champion wants to come on board and wants to potentially join the team \u2013 I don\u2019t know how much of it\u2019s true. It\u2019s a cool thing, and if there\u2019s an opportunity for me to drive with other people, that\u2019s something I\u2019ve always looked forward to, but it\u2019s not a thing for now. It\u2019s not a serious thing.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m also just excited for my future with McLaren \u2013 I\u2019m still going to be here for many more years. I\u2019m excited for whoever I get partnered with, but for the time being, Oscar [Piastri] and I are working very well together and we\u2019re excited to work together for more years too. That\u2019s our focus for now.\u201d<\/p>\n Norris and Piastri<\/a>, who are in their fourth season as team mates, are committed to \u201cmulti-year deals\u201d with the papaya squad<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, there were rumours earlier in the year that the Australian could be part of a direct switch with Verstappen and sign with Red Bull \u2013 an idea which Team Principal Andrea Stella rejected<\/a> before stating that McLaren is in \u201cits strongest shape\u201d with their current line-up.<\/p>\n