if RB is set to lose both Perez and Max... that would be a pretty good/quick way to getting a #1 spot, which I don't see happening at McLaren as long as Norris remains there.
Yeah, that's about the only way it would make sense. Not that these things always do.

I don't see Norris as being that far ahead of of Piastri. Norris has more experience, be interesting to see if Piastri keeps improving.