Lando Norris could potentially step in for Sergio Perez at Red Bull if the team decides on a driver change, and the McLaren driver has subtly criticized the embattled Mexican. Norris accused Perez of frequently colliding with other drivers, a sentiment expressed after their on-track clash during the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
During the race, Norris and Perez battled for fourth place on lap 47, resulting in a collision at Turn 6 as Perez attempted to overtake. Despite the incident, Norris finished fifth, while Perez secured fourth, securing second place in the championship behind teammate Max Verstappen.
Perez’s performance, consistently overshadowed by Verstappen, has led to speculation about his future, with Norris seen as a top candidate for Red Bull. Despite the speculation, Norris did not hold back in sharing his thoughts on Perez’s driving style, claiming that Perez often makes contact with other drivers on the track.
Speaking to Viaplay, Norris stated, “I was expecting it, to be honest. It was nothing new. He crashes into a lot of people, so not something new for anyone to know. But I did give him a lot of space. And so, it didn’t change my race at the end of the day. It was a tough day. We just didn’t have the pace we wanted.”
Despite the challenges faced in the Abu Dhabi race, Norris emphasized the satisfaction of beating Aston Martin as a team goal. Reflecting on his successful season, Norris, who has consistently finished on the podium, acknowledged that moving to Red Bull could enhance his chances of securing a race victory.
Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon indicated that Norris has an open invitation to join the team if he desires a fresh challenge outside McLaren. However, Albon acknowledged the difficulty of being Max Verstappen’s teammate and emphasized the strong relationship Norris currently has with McLaren, suggesting that there may be no immediate reason for him to make a switch.
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