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Jenson Button has admitted that he was ‘surprised’ by Lando Norris’ response to reports linking McLaren with a move for Max Verstappen.
Ever since the 2026 Formula 1 season kicked off in Melbourne, the future of Verstappen has been a massive talking point.
So far this season, there have been reports claiming that Verstappen was thinking about retiring from F1 due to the new regulations that were introduced for 2026.
Since then, it has been suggested that Verstappen will likely stay in F1, but his Red Bull future is now catching the attention of the entire paddock.
Last week, it was reported that McLaren and Verstappen held talks over a potential transfer, a move that could see the Dutchman reunite with Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to join McLaren in 2028.
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Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, current McLaren driver and reigning world champion Norris was asked about the possibility of Verstappen joining the team.
In response, the 26-year-old said: “Verstappen and conversations with McLaren management? Honestly, as far as I know, a lot of drivers want to join us.
“But I think it’s a positive thing that a four-time champion wants to join the team—assuming it’s true. However, I don’t think it’s a matter for the present; I’ll be here for many years, and I’m very focused on that.”
Norris’ response has drawn praise from 2009 F1 world champion Button, who admitted that he was surprised by how open the McLaren driver was about the speculation.
Button stated that Norris’ comments prove that he is not ‘fazed’ by the potential arrival of Verstappen.
He said on Sky Sports F1: “I was surprised that Lando was so open with having an opinion about it. A lot of the time, as drivers, we’re like ‘whatever, it’s just a rumour – move on’.
“It’s nice he actually had a reply from them; it was good, and it showed he’s not fazed. You have to go up against the best if you want to be the best.”
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While Verstappen’s future continues to be a major talking point in the F1 paddock, McLaren CEO Zak Brown remains calm over the situation.
In a recent interview with Will Buxton on the Up To Speed podcast, Brown admitted that he would sign Verstappen in a heartbeat, but only if he had three cars available.
The American went on to say that both Norris and Oscar Piastri have shown that they are capable of beating the four-time world champion ‘straight-up’.
It has been widely known that Verstappen has a release clause in his contract that can be triggered if certain conditions are met.
Red Bull will know what they need to do in order to keep Verstappen happy and they will now need to prove to the Dutchman that they remain his best chance for further success in F1.
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