Lando Norris has welcomed the possibility of driving alongside Max Verstappen at McLaren, but noted he is happy with his "unbelievable" current team-mate Oscar Piastri. 

Verstappen, who is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, has been linked with a switch to McLaren, with the Dutchman reportedly having a clause in his deal to facilitate a move. 

Should he be outside the top two in the drivers' championship at the start of this season's summer break in August, then he can talk to potential employers, per reports. 

The four-time world champion currently sits seventh in the standings ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, and is 98 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. 

Verstappen has been critical of Formula One's new set of regulations for this season and has even hinted he could walk away from the sport in the not too distant future. 

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has denied being in the driver market but did leave the door open for a potential move for Verstappen in the future, something Norris would welcome.

"There's always rumours," Norris told BBC Sport. "There are always things up in the air. But I know that we both have our names penned in at McLaren for much longer.

"So it's always funny seeing things come up when you're questioning how it's even possible. I welcome anyone as a team-mate. 

"Of course, Max is, alongside Lewis [Hamilton] and Fernando [Alonso] – world champions, I would say – he's alongside some of the best.

"You always want to try and prove yourself against the best. And the best way to prove yourself against the best is to have them as your team-mate.

"So I'm very open to anyone being my team-mate, honestly.

"I would love Max to be my team-mate. I would love if Lewis was my team-mate. I would love if Fernando was my team-mate. But I also like Oscar as a team-mate.

"You know, he's honestly an unbelievable driver. I have a very strong team-mate that pushes me."

Norris has endured a poor start to his F1 world title defence, with the Briton fifth in the drivers' championship and one point behind Piastri in the standings. 

He has claimed two podiums, in Miami and Barcelona, but has also suffered three retirements in the opening eight races of the season. 

The McLaren driver finished seventh at the Austrian Grand Prix last time out. Excluding retirements and disqualifications, Norris has not finished outside the top five in consecutive races since a three-race run between Sao Paulo and Qatar two years ago. 

Norris has fond memories of his last outing around Silverstone, though. He became the 36th different driver to win a grand prix in his home country after finishing ahead of Piastri last year.

"My performances this year have been, on average, better than last season," Norris said.

"I still find it a very complicated car to drive and difficult to understand session in, session out.

"Like, what is needed every single track, corner, set-up, what is needed to really get everything out of this car.

"So, we're still struggling as a pair of drivers to understand that completely. But I feel like I've had a better start to the year than last year.

"Last year, that meant, you know, probably winning or leading the championship or not. This year, it means being within 80 to 100 points, you know?"

DRIVERS TO WATCH

Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari 

After winning his first race as a Ferrari driver at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton could only manage fifth in Austria to drop to third in the drivers' standings. 

However, Silverstone certainly brings the best out of the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton has won nine times around the iconic circuit, more than any other driver, while his 375 points scored at the venue are his most throughout his career (Hungary second with 286).

Only at the Hungaroring (nine) has he managed more pole positions than the seven he has achieved at Silverstone. 

Hamilton and Ferrari have adapted well to F1's new regulations, and that has been evident in the Briton's point tally so far. 

He has scored 125 points after the opening eight races this season. Averaging 15.6 points per race, Hamilton is enjoying his best points-per-grand prix average in the last five campaigns, and his highest since averaging 17.6 in 2021. 

George Russell – Mercedes

But one driver out to score his first victory on home soil is George Russell, who revived his championship hopes by winning the Austrian Grand Prix last time out. 

Russell has secured three of the last four pole positions (Canada, Barcelona and Austria), one more than he managed across his previous 18 grands prix. He could claim three consecutive pole positions for the first time in his career here. 

This weekend will also feature the 28th sprint race in F1 history, though it will only be the second to be held in Great Britain, after the 2021 edition. 

The pole sitter has won each of the last six sprint races, with Russell taking victory in the most recent one in Canada. However, the Briton is yet to win consecutive sprint races in his F1 career. 

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Drivers'

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 171

2. George Russell (Mercedes) – 131

3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 125

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 80

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 79

Constructors'

1. Mercedes – 302

2. Ferrari – 204

3. McLaren – 159

4. Red Bull – 115

5. Alpine – 57