While Mercedes has long been linked with a potential move for Verstappen, recent reports have also suggested McLaren could emerge as a possible destination should Verstappen decide to seek a new challenge. But Hakkinen, who claimed both of his titles with McLaren in the late 1990s, believes the Woking-based squad already possesses the key ingredient needed for sustained success: a strong internal balance. Norris and Piastri have been team-mates since 2023, developing a competitive but productive relationship that has helped McLaren challenge for championships. Hakkinen draws on McLaren experienceHakkinen made his comments during a conversation with former McLaren team-mate David Coulthard, with whom he shared a lengthy partnership during the team’s dominant period in the late 1990s. “McLaren have a world champion [Norris],” he said.