McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has expressed his hopes that Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull Racing amid swirling rumors linking the Dutch driver with a transfer to Mercedes. Brown’s apprehensions are tied to Mercedes’ recent resurgence, which he believes would pose a significant challenge if Verstappen joined their ranks.
Brown warned that Red Bull faces a dire scenario should Verstappen decide to leave, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the team’s future prospects. The anxiety around Verstappen’s Red Bull future is heightened by ongoing contract discussions and speculation around an exit clause.
Implications of Verstappen joining Mercedes for McLaren’s ambitions
Rumors about Verstappen possibly ending his contract with Red Bull have been reignited following George Russell’s comments that ongoing talks between Verstappen and Mercedes were influencing his own contract situation. It is widely believed that Verstappen could activate an exit clause if he is not in the top four of the Drivers’ Championship heading into the summer break after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Currently, Verstappen holds a strong position in the standings, with Charles Leclerc trailing him by 46 points, suggesting that Red Bull’s grip on their star driver remains firm for now. However, Brown’s concern stems from the fact that a Verstappen-driven Mercedes would be a formidable competitor. McLaren, meanwhile, is making strong progress towards their goals for the 2025 season, with Oscar Piastri leading the Drivers’ standings and McLaren holding a commanding lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
I think Mercedes is a team on the rise,
Brown remarked during The Sports Agents podcast.
Red Bull at the moment has challenges. It doesn’t mean that they can’t fix those challenges. But Max in a Mercedes is pretty uncomfortable to think about because he’s awesome!
So, I think I’d rather he stay where he is.
Recent developments at Red Bull and the stakes for Verstappen’s future
Amid this uncertainty, Red Bull recently made a surprising management change by dismissing team principal Christian Horner shortly after the British Grand Prix. Brown sees Verstappen’s potential departure as a major blow to Red Bull’s long-term competitiveness.
I think it would be a disaster for Red Bull if they lost Max,
Brown commented, underscoring the weight attached to Verstappen’s commitment.
Horner had focused much of the discussion around Verstappen’s future on the 2027 season, highlighting that the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season will introduce significant changes to chassis and engine regulations. These changes are expected to shake up the competitive landscape and redraft team hierarchies across the sport.
As Red Bull prepares to debut its first-ever in-house engine developed alongside Ford for 2026, the uncertainty around which manufacturers will lead the field adds to the complexity of ensuring Verstappen’s loyalty.
Addressing questions on maintaining competitiveness, Horner stated:
Absolutely no guarantees for any team or any engine manufacturer that can, hand on heart, say that they are significantly ahead of any other manufacturer.
He emphasized the historic nature of the regulation change, adding,
I think 2026 represents the biggest regulation change, with both chassis and engine, probably in the last 50 Years of Formula 1.
Verstappen’s unparalleled talent and long-term goals amid contract pressures
Horner praised Verstappen’s status, calling him the best driver in the world and the most sought-after talent in Formula 1. He noted that from 2027 onwards, Verstappen will have multiple options across teams, but it is up to Red Bull to prove they remain the best environment for him.
The driver has frequently expressed his desire to conclude his career with Red Bull. Horner indicated this ambition continues to shape discussions, provided Red Bull’s trajectory and performance stay on course.
But of course, he’s also hungry to achieve more wins, more titles that his talent deserves. So I think it’s more about 2027, than perhaps about 2026.
How Verstappen’s decision could reshape Formula 1’s landscape
Max Verstappen’s potential decision to stay with or leave Red Bull carries huge implications for the sport’s competitive balance. Should Verstappen transfer to Mercedes, it would not only disrupt current team dynamics but also create new challenges for McLaren, who is emerging as a strong title contender. On the other hand, Verstappen’s continued presence at Red Bull symbolizes stability for the team as it navigates major regulatory changes on the horizon.
As the summer break approaches, all eyes remain fixed on the Drivers’ Championship standings and contract negotiations that will define Verstappen’s future and, consequently, the direction of Formula 1’s next era.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Verstappen’s estimated wealth is around $200 million as of December 2024. He accumulated this money through endorsements, smart investments, and his high Formula 1 earnings. Before 2020, his salary was not as high compared to other top F1 racers.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team after crashing into George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix. This accident caused Verstappen to fall in the rankings from fifth to tenth place because of a 10-second penalty.
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. To determine who is wealthier between Hamilton and Verstappen, we can look at their earnings and endorsements. Both are successful Formula 1 drivers, which contributes to their wealth. However, exact figures for their net worth can vary depending on sources.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen stated that he “lost all respect” for George Russell following a stewards’ meeting in Qatar regarding a qualifying issue.
