Norris or Vandoorne to Toro Rosso? McLaren have Key 'plan'

The chances of either Lando Norris or Stoffel Vandoorne switching from McLaren's stable to Toro Rosso in 2019 may have increased after the British team's CEO Zak Brown suggested they have a plan in order to secure the release of technical director James Key from Faenza.

McLaren announced the signing of Key last month, but Toro Rosso have dug their heels in, refusing to let their technical chief walk away midway through the season easily.

Toro Rosso made an approach for Formula 2 title challenger Norris earlier in the season, with Brendon Hartley struggling to impress the Red Bull hierarchy.

Vandoorne may also want to take on a change of scenery after being comprehensively outperformed by Fernando Alonso in 2018 - qualifying behind his world champion team-mate in all 12 races so far this season.

Either could be offered to Toro Rosso, with Brown hopeful of smoothing Key's move across to McLaren.

Ready for rain in Spa ????

A post shared by Stoffel Vandoorne (@svandoorne) on Aug 19, 2018 at 10:57am PDT

"In the world of F1 there's always ways and opportunities to change situations," Brown said. "That's certainly something that we'd potentially consider.

"We have hired James Key and he will become our technical director.

"He does have a current agreement with Toro Rosso and of course we respect contractual situations.

"I think Toro Rosso and Red Bull are understandably upset that they're losing a great talent like James Key.

"We have a plan, we obviously knew his current employment situation and we're completely comfortable working around that situation."