Johnny Herbert tells 24-year-old driver to turn down Red Bull and stay at his current team

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Formula 1 favourite Johnny Herbert has told McLaren star Lando Norris that he shouldn’t join Red Bull if offered the opportunity.

Lando Norris is arguably the fastest driver on the F1 grid right now that hasn’t enjoyed a race win.

Herbert, speaking to the Express, has urged the young Brit to keep faith in McLaren and believes he could achieve his ambitions with the team.

The 24-year-old has now matched the record set by Nick Heidfeld for most podium finishes without a race win.

His transformation during the 2023 season was exceptional, with his drive in Mexico City in particular capturing people’s attention.

Norris’s contract runs until 2025 and already other teams are keeping an eye on his future.

Ferrari are reportedly interested in his services with Carlos Sainz’s seat at risk if they sign the Brit.

However, Johnny Herbert has now warned Norris against joining Red Bull if the opportunity arises.

Being Max Verstappen’s teammate is never easy as Sergio Perez is currently discovering.

While driving for Red Bull could offer Norris more chances to win races, he may end up being the team’s second driver as opposed to being the senior figure at McLaren right now.

Herbert tells Norris not to join Red Bull

Speaking about the 24-year-old, Herbert said: “I think if we do it just from a driver’s perspective, you’re always going to try and work out what’s going to benefit you.

“Now is the risk of him going to Red Bull worth it in the situation that he finds himself?

“McLaren [are] doing really, really well… McLaren love having him in the team. He delivers when the car is working properly… Is it worth the risk? Personally no, I don’t think it is worth the risk.

“He’s still young, he’s still going to get better, he’s still going to improve and at the moment, McLaren are on a very good trajectory to, you know, get themselves maybe in a stronger position for next year.

“We’re going to have to wait and see obviously, but I don’t see why he’d want to make his life that little bit more difficult when he actually is in a very good position that he’s got at the moment.”

Whether Norris will be in a position to heed Herbert’s advice should Red Bull come calling is another matter.

They’re the dominant force in F1 at the moment and turning down the chance to drive a car capable of winning virtually every Grand Prix on the calendar wouldn’t be easy.

But, just because you have the best car doesn’t guarantee success, with Verstappen enjoying one of the finest spells of domination Formula 1 has ever seen.

It could be argued that Norris is quicker than Perez on current form, but matching and besting the Dutchman is another matter.