Mika Häkkinen sees little reason for McLaren to attract Max Verstappen. The two-time world champion wonders why the British team would sacrifice one of its current drivers, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, according to him, actually form the basis for long-term success. He refers to his own successes at McLaren and the collaboration with David Coulthard.
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The future of Verstappen has been an important topic of discussion in Formula 1 for years. Although the Dutchman is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, there are whispers that he may reconsider his options during the summer break. McLaren is considered one of the most interesting destinations, despite the ongoing contracts of Norris and Piastri. The first rumors were fueled by the arrival of Gianpiero Lambiase; Verstappen’s race engineer and right-hand man will move to Woking in 2028.
McLaren Team Spirit
Häkkinen, who won both his world titles with McLaren, believes that the team should primarily maintain its current stability. According to the Finn, a strong team culture is at least as important as attracting the very best drivers. “It’s very interesting,” Häkkinen began in the Up to Speed podcast. “It’s not just about Max (Verstappen, ed.). Many drivers come forward, but I have seen how McLaren operates; they always look at the overall picture of the team. Only by creating an incredible team spirit do you have a chance of success. If you ask me, you should avoid unnecessary risks and protect that team spirit.”
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“If the team has two great drivers, why would you shake things up?”, Häkkinen wondered aloud. “Besides, McLaren already has a world champion,” he referred to Lando Norris. “We,” he addressed presenter David Coulthard, “were once the longest-serving teammates in Formula 1. That proves that if there is good harmony within a team, you don’t need anyone else. It pays off to work with such a line-up, because that only brings consistency. They (Norris and Piastri, ed.) have only been a team for a few years. Moreover, I don’t find Piastri very experienced yet. Just give it some more time.”
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