McLaren CEO Zak Brown has suggested the possibility of Max Verstappen joining the team at some point in the future. Brown, while praising Verstappen’s achievements, left open the idea of the Dutch driver racing for McLaren despite Verstappen’s current Red Bull contract. This development has intrigued fans of Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, and McLaren as the Formula 1 landscape evolves.
Zak Brown Praises Verstappen and Keeps Future Options Open
In a recent interview with De Telegraaf, Zak Brown expressed admiration for Max Verstappen’s talent, calling him a “fantastic driver” and noting his four world championships as proof of his skill. Although Verstappen remains contracted with Red Bull Racing through 2028, Brown hinted that McLaren would welcome him in the future if the timing is right.
“Max is a fantastic driver, a four-time champion for a reason. It’s a pleasure for me to work with all the drivers in the McLaren program anyway, and with Max? Who knows, someday…”
—Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Verstappen recently confirmed during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that he intends to stay at Red Bull for the 2026 season. However, some industry observers believe this may be a strategic statement, giving him time to evaluate his options before the sport’s significant technical and regulatory changes take effect in 2026. Whether Verstappen opts to move to McLaren after 2026 remains uncertain, but Brown’s comments suggest the possibility has not been ruled out.
Brown Interested in Teaming Up with Verstappen in Endurance Racing
Beyond Formula 1, Zak Brown also expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of partnering with Max Verstappen in endurance racing. He praised Verstappen’s recent performance during a test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where the driver competed under the pseudonym Franz Hermann and set a new lap record. Brown made clear that he would enjoy having Verstappen as a teammate in endurance events.
“Well, I would prefer to have Max as my teammate in endurance racing. Because he’s recently shown his speed there too on the Nordschleife under a pseudonym.”
—Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Verstappen’s Nürburgring test in his GT3 car for Verstappen.com gained widespread attention due to his impressive lap times. The Dutch driver has publicly expressed interest in competing in endurance racing and events like Le Mans after his Formula 1 career, adding another layer to his versatile motorsports ambitions.
Focus Shifts Back to F1 and Upcoming Races
As talk of future moves circulates, both Zak Brown and Max Verstappen remain focused on their current goals in the 2025 Formula 1 season. McLaren has showcased strong performance and is considered dominant in several races so far, while Verstappen has managed to secure important victories, continually challenging the team’s supremacy. Their paths will cross soon at the home Dutch Grand Prix, where the spotlight will be on both the Red Bull and McLaren teams.
The outlook for Verstappen’s career beyond 2026, combined with Brown’s openness to signing him in the future, adds an intriguing subplot to both the championship battle and the broader F1 transfer market. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 2025 season progresses and as the sport prepares for major changes ahead.
