McLaren's CEO weighs in on Max Verstappen's future, but his sights are set elsewhere. Will F1's biggest star make a shock move?
Zak Brown, McLaren's CEO, has spoken about the future of Max Verstappen — a subject that has become increasingly uncertain as the four-time world champion grows more and more disillusioned with the current state of the sport. The prospect of the Dutchman retiring or switching teams is no longer merely theoretical.
The American executive, in comments reported by crash.net, addressed the situation directly: "From McLaren's perspective, I couldn't be happier with Lando and Oscar. We have long-term agreements with both of them, and I believe it's the best driver pairing in and out of the car."
"So we have no intention of replacing either of our two superstars. Obviously, if one of them left, then yes — Max is an extraordinary talent. But I'm not anticipating that. Where could he go? If I had to bet, I'd say Mercedes."
Despite Verstappen's stature as one of the grid's most influential voices — one whose words carry real weight among fellow drivers and the media — other drivers, including Lando Norris and George Russell, have pushed back against the idea that F1's situation is as dire as the Dutch champion has made it seem.
Red Bull's performance, and the competitiveness of their Ford power unit, will be critical to retaining Verstappen. If the Milton Keynes outfit fails to deliver a capable engine, the decision to step away — whether temporarily or indefinitely, as Fernando Alonso once did — becomes far easier for him to make.
How Long Is Max Verstappen's Contract With Red Bull?
Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull through 2028, though various reports pointed to the existence of a so-called 'Helmut Marko clause' — which would have allowed Verstappen to leave freely if Marko departed the team. With the Austrian no longer at Red Bull, that clause is no longer a factor.
The ongoing turbulence within Red Bull has led Toto Wolff to speculate about the possibility of Verstappen eventually joining Mercedes. It has previously been suggested that the driver will ultimately choose the fastest car — making it Mercedes' responsibility to provide exactly that.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding former team principal Christian Horner has done nothing but fuel further rumors and deepen the sense of instability within the reigning world champions' camp.
Verstappen was brutally honest about his relationship with Formula 1 as it stands today: "It's not as if stopping here would mean doing nothing. I'll always find things I enjoy. And I'll enjoy plenty of other things in my life. But it's a bit sad, honestly, that we're even having this conversation. It is what it is. You don't need to feel sorry for me. I'll be fine", said during an appearance on a BBC programme.