15 June 2023 , 16:37
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Lando Norris was spotted sporting Red Bull-branded attire amid speculation over who might replace Sergio Perez if he were to be axed by the team.
The Mexican began the season well and looked like he might offer a serious challenge to Max Verstappen. But his season has hit a few bumps in the road in recent weeks and now his is 53 points adrift of his team-mate.
It has led to speculation over his future. Perez has a contract until the end of next season, though some have suggested Red Bull might assess their options even earlier than that.
In terms of replacements, Norris is likely to be at the top of the list. The Brit is one of F1's brightest young talents but is struggling to make the impact he would have wanted to by now with a struggling McLaren team.
Norris has spoken with Red Bull before and would no doubt be considered for any vacant race seat in the coming years. So fan's couldn't help but notice he was wearing Red Bull-branded gear in a recent social media post.
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"Nothing better than a day with friends. First time trying wakeboarding," wrote the 23-year-old. Alongside that caption were several photos of Norris out on the water with friends, with the Red Bull logo clearly visible on his life vest while a jet-ski also bore the branding of the energy drink giant.
Naturally, many fans immediately jumped to a conclusion. "Lando to Red Bull in 2024," wrote one with several other posting words to that effect. Others were already fantasising about the Brit linking up with Verstappen, including one who wrote: "Max and Lando – what a dream team."
It comes as former Sky Sports pundit Johnny Herbert voiced his belief that Perez is in danger of losing his seat. Explaining his thinking, he pointed out that the Mexican appears to be lacking what many great F1 drivers from the past had in their locker.
"As much as Sergio showed in the early part of the season that he was more than capable of mixing it with Max, there was then a point that he wasn't," he told OLBG. "Like Schumacher, Senna, Mansell, Hakkinen, they are always able to get the best out of their equipment every weekend.
“In real terms, I would say he is under threat, but he is a very good number two. When he is on his game he can win. Even then he would be second or third and that will still enable Red Bull to win the constructors' championship which is obviously very important."