Max Verstappen’s future has returned to the spotlight in Formula 1. This time, McLaren CEO Zak Brown pointed to Mercedes as the most likely destination if the driver truly leaves Red Bull Racing, as has been widely speculated in the category’s paddock.
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The possibility gains strength amid a scenario of uncertainties involving the Dutchman, including internal changes and a complicated start to the season for his current team. Furthermore, the future departure of his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, to McLaren in 2028, also fuels speculation about the driver’s next steps.
Even so, Brown ruled out any immediate move by the British team to sign Verstappen. The executive reinforced complete satisfaction with his current driver lineup, highlighting contract stability and performance on and off the track: “From McLaren’s point of view, I couldn’t be happier with Lando (Norris) and Oscar (Piastri). We have long-term agreements and I believe it’s the best lineup on the grid,” he said.
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Nevertheless, the executive acknowledged the Dutch driver’s value in the F1 market: “Obviously, if one of them left, Max is a huge talent, but I don’t expect that to happen,” he added.
When projecting a possible scenario, Brown was direct in indicating his bet: “If I had to bet, I’d say he might go to Mercedes,” he concluded, reinforcing the German team as the main candidate in case of a change in Verstappen’s future.
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