Zak Brown has shut down rumours that Max Verstappen is McLaren-bound amid speculation the four-time Formula One world champion is set to leave Red Bull. Verstappen has endured an up-and-down season so far and even hinted at quitting F1 altogether following the regulation changes for 2026.
Verstappen has enjoyed some strong moments in the Red Bull this season, including a second-place finish at last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix. But the unrest has done little to squash rumours that he could be on the move in the next couple of years.
So much so, McLaren team principal Brown was grilled on the prospect of Verstappen joining the Surrey-based outfit during a recent round of radio interviews. Speaking to the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Brown said: “We have two awesome racing drivers in Lando and Oscar, and you’re going to see them in our race cars for a long, long time.”
However, the American hailed Verstappen’s abilities when quizzed by Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, saying: “Yeah, we’re a hot team. You know, it’s a great, great place to be. We’ve got two awesome drivers in Lando and Oscar, so no intention of seeing any different lineup.
“But, you know, flattering, and the phone rings often, and he’s in a massive talent, so we’ll see what the future holds, what he ends up doing. But I know what our plan is – it’s keep going with what we got.”
When pushed on the rumours, he added: “Well, I think you know, anytime you’re in sport, you’ve got to kind of know what the markets doing, but we’re not in the market. So, we need to pay attention, because you never know. But Lando and Oscar won 14 for us last year, and I’m looking forward to the next 14.”
It’s been a tough season for McLaren so far, who haven’t been able to capitalise on the success they enjoyed last year. They find themselves third in the Constructors’ Championship, while neither of their drivers are currently inside the top three of the Drivers’ Championship standings.
The next race on the schedule is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend. Following that, racing will pause for two weeks before returning for the Belgian Grand Prix in mid-July.