Lando Norris sets pace in practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Lando Norris set the pace in practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Christian Horner dismissed “noise” surrounding Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future.

Verstappen continued to battle balance issues with his car during Friday’s running in Jeddah, where he finished the day third fastest and almost three tenths adrift of Norris’ time.

Championship leader Norris had the edge on McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, with Charles Leclerc fourth for Ferrari.

A disappointing weekend in Bahrain last time out led Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko to say “the concern is great” over Verstappen’s future with the team.

The four-time world champion is contracted until 2028 but Marko has previously suggested it contains performance-related break clauses, as speculation linking Verstappen with Mercedes and Aston Martin goes on.

Verstappen brushed off such talk on Thursday, saying he was “very relaxed” and solely focused on improving his car.

Asked whether Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull next year, team principal Horner told Sky Sports: “Yes, absolutely.

“There’s been a lot of noise outside of the team.

Christian Horner says Max Verstappen WILL be a Red Bull driver next season