Formula 1: Lando Norris Earns Comparison With Jude Bellingham As Audi Prepares to Enter 2026 Debut

• Audi Racing are set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026
• Reports of the German racing team courting McLaren's Lando Norris have recently surfaced
• Lando Norris has been likened to Real Madrid's new midfielder Jude Bellingham

Lando Norris' remarkable performance during the 2023 Formula 1 season has catapulted him into F1 spotlight like a shooting star.

The in-season resurgence of the McLaren MCL60 can be credited with the British driver's impressive form.

Norris, who has finished four times as P2 this season, has gradually caught the eyes of many racing teams, including Constructors' title winner Red Bull Racing and Sky Sports Formula 1 reporter Craig Slater has likened him to Real Madrid's marquee midfield signing Jude Bellingham.

Lando Norris likened to Real Madrid's Bellingham

Slater who recently reported about the agreed partnership between Audi and Suaber for a 2026 entry into the Formula 1 grid, highlighted the issue of the likely driver partnership for the German team.

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The F1 expert touched on the chances of Norris fancying racing for a team with a new power unit and the ability to compete with the title contenders on the racing grid.

Planet F1 quoted Slater to have said:

"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 their team.

Might Lando Norris fit the bill in that regard? Might he link up again with this former boss at McLaren, Andreas Seidl? But a lot of depends on where McLaren are at in a couple of years."

Norris who is in his sixth season at McLaren, as reported by Racingnews365, is yet to win a race and however never hid his desire to switch to a team which would provide him such opportunity in his Formula 1 career.

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The 23-year-old driver, who remains one of the sport's hottest prospects, was likened to Bellingham given the transfer value it would warrant to price him out of his current contract at McLaren.

Slater further stressed that the timing of Norris' contract's expiration and Audi Racing's entry into the sport could see the German team clinch Norris without having to bargain with McLaren's CEO Zak Brown.

Perez casts doubt on Red Bull future

In another report, Sports Brief stated that Sergio Perez, who has been far from his finest form during the first 14 races of the 2023 Formula 1 season, has cast doubt over his chances of racing at Red Bull beyond 2024.

The driver highlighted that he would fancy a serene environment, and if he cannot find such a peaceful setting with the Austrian team, he would prefer walking away from the team.