Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, has addressed recent speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes. Brown expressed his contentment with McLaren’s current drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, confirming he has no interest in engaging in discussions with the four-time world champion. The focus on these rumors has emerged amid uncertainty about the future line-ups at Mercedes and Red Bull.
Mercedes Leadership Comments on Potential Verstappen Signing
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged ongoing conversations with Verstappen, raising questions about the status of their current drivers, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose contracts expire at the end of the year. While Wolff admitted the likelihood of Verstappen joining Mercedes in 2026 is low, he did not completely dismiss the possibility beyond that timeframe.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 in June, Wolff stated,
“I think when you look at the situation we have with Kimi and George, we have a perfect line-up that we very much enjoy and that we believe is the future,”
and added,
“But, at the same time, there is a four-time world champion that needs to decide what he is going to do in the future, and that is just, as a team principal, you need to see where that is going. But I think I give it a very little probability that it’s going to happen.”
He further clarified the challenges of long-term planning by saying,
“You don’t know what’s going to be in three or five years, that’s why you need to look at what is it that should be considered on the long term.”
Zak Brown Maintains Focus on Current Drivers Amid Rumors
When asked about the rumors and his potential interest in Verstappen, Brown kept a calm perspective. He emphasized his satisfaction with McLaren’s driver roster, stating to TSN,
“I couldn’t be happier with Oscar and Lando,”
and continued,
“So, short of being an interested spectator, I’m very happy with my driver line-up. I don’t really spend any time on it other than what pops up on my phone.”
Verstappen’s Contract and Red Bull Changes Raise Questions About His Future
Max Verstappen currently holds a contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028. Despite this, recent performance difficulties have sparked discussions about his long-term commitment to Red Bull. Complicating the situation, on 9 July 2025, Red Bull replaced Christian Horner as CEO and team principal with Laurent Mekies, leaving uncertainty about how this shift might influence Verstappen’s plans moving forward.
Implications for Formula 1 Team Dynamics and Future Moves
The speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s potential transfer to Mercedes adds a layer of intrigue to the constantly evolving driver market within Formula 1. While Zak Brown remains focused on his existing lineup at McLaren, and Toto Wolff acknowledges both current strength and future uncertainties at Mercedes, the developments at Red Bull could impact future negotiations. Verstappen’s decision, influenced by team changes and performance factors, will be pivotal for the balance of power in the sport over the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Verstappen’s net worth is about $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned this money through endorsements, investments, and his well-paid Formula 1 job. Before 2020, his salary was lower compared to the highest-paid F1 drivers.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team after crashing with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. This crash led to Verstappen getting a 10-second penalty, causing him to fall from 5th to 10th place in the race.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. After a meeting with the stewards in Qatar about a qualifying incident, Max Verstappen expressed that he no longer respects George Russell.
Q. Has Max Verstappen apologized to Lando Norris?
A. He doesn’t need to apologize. I don’t expect one from him and don’t believe he should say sorry. I thought it was exciting racing that was sometimes on the edge. We’ve talked about it, and we’re both ready to race again.
