Dr. Helmut Marko has openly acknowledged that Red Bull is considering McLaren's two contracted drivers "for the future."
As the F1 teams gear up for Shanghai, McLaren's chief Andrea Stella expressed optimism about solidifying the team's position as the third fastest on the grid in 2024, and possibly achieving race victories later in the year.
"If we deliver the same type of development that we did last year, then why not?" he was cited by France's Auto Hebdo.
"I don't want to sound arrogant, but this is certainly the mindset that everyone at McLaren has."
Despite the slight upgrades McLaren brought to China, drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are bracing for a challenging weekend.
"The long corners," Norris explained when questioned about his reservations. "This type of corner is just not good for us."
Regarding his boss's forecast of winning races later in the year, Norris also remains cautious.
"Not anytime soon, that's for sure," Norris stated. "Right place, right time, if we improve the car how we need to, then I think Andrea is right. But that's an if."
"You know, some of these certain areas have been a big challenge for us over the last many years - not just years, but the last many years."
Norris recently renewed his contract, securing his position at McLaren until at least 2025, potentially extending further.
A few months prior, the team also confirmed Australian rookie Piastri until the end of 2026.
Amid the ongoing 'silly season' of driver transfers, Red Bull's senior F1 consultant Marko confessed his interest in the duo from McLaren.
"Norris has a contract at least until 2026," he informed Kleine Zeitung, indicating "so he is not an option in the short term, nor is Oscar Piastri."
"But both drivers are certainly interesting for us for the future."
