Who would 'team boss' Verstappen put next to Max? This is his answer

Sergio Perez is under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2024, yet for quite some time there have been speculations about who will replace the Mexican next (if Perez leaves at all). Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda; they have all been named as a possible teammate for Verstappen at the Austrian team. But who would Verstappen himself choose?

Last week,Verstappen confessed to having philosophised with Lando Norris - known to be a good friend of the Dutchman - about driving in one team together. Norris responded wisely ahead of the Italian Grand Prix: "I'd be open for it. I invited him to McLaren the other day, so if he wants to come any time, he's very welcome," laughed the Briton.

'McLaren has a good pairing'

So just because Norris and he have thought about driving together at times, does that mean it will happen one day. The direct question had not yet been asked of Verstappen either: If being a team boss himslef, would Verstappen also choose Norris as Max's teammate? Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra asked the question to the Dutchman. "Well, I would have to think about the second driver a bit longer. Hard to choose, also Piastri is very good. McLaren has a good pair," Verstappen said.

With the current RB19, Norris or Piastri would have an excellent chance of taking their first win in Formula 1. There are those, including Mercedes' George Russell, who say at least 10 drivers would win races if they were driving Verstappen's car. "Yes, maybe they would win. But not in the way we do. It's all speculation. Next question."