F1 News: Lando Norris Predicted For Huge 2026 Move By Reporter

Speculation swirls around Lando Norris’ 2026 F1 future, as potential opportunities with the emergent Audi team may offer new pathways.

Sky Sports’ Craig Slater recently speculated a pivotal move for Lando Norris in 2026, foreseeing him possibly becoming the 'face of the Audi team.' With the German automotive titan set to take the helm of the current Sauber team, Slater’s predictions hint at Norris potentially being lured away from his current stead with McLaren.

Key Takeaways:

• Despite Lando Norris' palpable comfort and emerging leadership role at McLaren, there is speculation, fuelled by comments from Sky Sports' Craig Slater, about a potential move to the Audi team in 2026 when they officially enter the sport.
• Slater drew parallels between Norris’ marketability, talent, and current standing at McLaren to a high-value football transfer.
• While McLaren CEO Zak Brown seems poised to ensure Norris' stay through strategic deals, especially into the new 2026 regulations, the allure of spearheading a new team and reuniting with former boss Andreas Seidl might tilt the scales towards Audi.

Norris has established himself as a cornerstone within McLaren, developing into not just a seasoned driver but also a team leader. As Slater described him to Sky Sports, “Norris is the Jude Bellingham of Formula 1 in transfer terms. If he were a footballer, he’d be in the £100m category.” Further describing Norris’ standing, he mentioned the driver’s seniority and leadership at McLaren, hinting at the substantial “transfer value” he holds within F1. Slater also noted the absence of significant release clauses in Norris’ contract, signifying that securing him would come at a premium.

On the administrative front, McLaren CEO Zak Brown is seemingly adamant about solidifying the team’s composition moving into the new 2026 regulations. While Norris’ co-driver, Oscar Piastri, seems securely tied to McLaren, Norris' continued allegiance may well hinge on the team’s forthcoming advancements and potential offers from emerging competitors like Audi. Brown maintains optimism about McLaren’s posture heading into 2026, but the tantalizing prospect of fronting a new team might have its own unique allure for Norris.

The latter speculation is particularly incited by Slater’s following insights: 

“Audi could be interesting in a couple of years time. When they come into Formula 1, they will want a big name to be the face of the team. Might Norris fit the bill in that regard? Might he link up again with his former boss at McLaren, Andreas Seidl?” 

He continued, stating that the characteristic pattern in F1 of drivers “chasing after a fast car” might emerge as a defining factor in Norris’s decisions in the coming seasons.