McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has stated his belief that Red Bull`s performance is heavily reliant on Max Verstappen, suggesting that without the Dutch driver, Red Bull might find themselves behind their sister team, Racing Bulls. This comes amidst renewed uncertainty regarding Verstappen`s future.
Reports from Sky in Italy earlier this week indicated that Verstappen is receptive to a potential move to Mercedes, with discussions reportedly intensifying ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix weekend.
Adding to the swirling rumors, Mercedes driver George Russell mentioned at the recent Austrian Grand Prix that his own contract extension was being held up by “ongoing conversations.” Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed these talks were happening “behind closed doors.”
“I`m a believer of when there`s smoke, there`s fire. If everyone was committed to their seats, that`s what they would be saying,” Brown told Sky Sports News at a McLaren event in London. “The fact everyone`s talking and no one is confirming anything, tells me there are conversations going on. I said a while ago I wouldn`t be surprised to see Max in a Mercedes.”
Verstappen, currently trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 61 points, has maintained a perfect record against his teammates, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, this season.
While Verstappen has secured two pole positions and two victories, his teammates have managed only three points-scoring finishes combined, and Tsunoda has faced three consecutive Q1 eliminations. Lawson and Isack Hadjar have shown stronger form recently compared to Tsunoda.
Brown reiterated his stance, saying, “Red Bull would be behind Racing Bulls [without Verstappen]. They have done a great job and have a great racing car. I think Max is carrying them at the moment.” He also hinted that the speculation surrounding Verstappen and Mercedes might “have another chapter.”
Lando Norris, who has had several close on-track battles with Verstappen, commented that the decision on his future rests entirely with the Dutchman. “I don`t care where he goes. I appreciate Max as a competitor. He`s a bit tough but I enjoy our battles together,” Norris told Sky Sports News.
Horner Dismisses Verstappen Speculation as `Noise`
Despite Verstappen signing a contract in 2022 to remain with Red Bull until 2028, speculation about a move to Mercedes has persisted since last year. Although Verstappen won a fourth consecutive drivers` title in 2024, rumors about his Red Bull future emerged due to internal team issues, including a reported disagreement between his father, Jos Verstappen, and team principal Christian Horner.
The speculation resurfaced this year, seemingly linked to Red Bull`s comparative performance challenges against McLaren and Verstappen`s inability to challenge for a record-equalling fifth straight title.
Horner addressed the rumors at the recent race weekend, telling Sky Sports F1, “It is a lot of noise. I think Max gets quite annoyed by it. We are very clear with the contract that we have with Max until 2028.” He added, “So, anything is entirely speculative that is being said, but we tend not to pay too much attention to it.”
Regarding George Russell`s situation at Mercedes, Horner commented, “I can imagine that George is frustrated he hasn`t been given a contract yet, but that`s between him and his team.” He concluded on Verstappen`s contract, “The situation with Max, we know clearly where we`re at and obviously as does Max. Everything is subject to noise and, obviously, within any contract it remains confidential between the parties.”
