McLaren CEO Zak Brown has definitively ruled out any possibility of Max Verstappen joining his team while suggesting the four-time world champion would likely land at Mercedes if he remains in Formula 1. Brown’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s future following his shocking declaration after the Japanese Grand Prix that he might retire at the end of the season due to his dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations.
The departure of Verstappen’s longtime race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren in 2028 has fueled rumors that the Dutch driver might follow his trusted ally. However, Brown emphatically dismissed such speculation, expressing complete satisfaction with his current driver lineup. “From McLaren’s point of view, I couldn’t be happier with Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri],” Brown told Sky Sports F1. “We have long-term agreements with them, and I think it’s the greatest driver pairing on and off the track.”
When pressed about Verstappen’s potential destination should he stay in F1, Brown made a bold prediction. “Where might he go? If I had to bet, I’d say to Mercedes,” the McLaren boss stated. His assessment comes as Red Bull struggles through a difficult start to the season, with Verstappen managing only sixth place as his best finish through the opening three races.
Both McLaren drivers expressed disappointment at the prospect of losing Verstappen from the sport. Oscar Piastri called it “a shame for the sport to lose Max, especially at this point in his career,” noting that drivers want to compete against the best. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Lando Norris acknowledged Verstappen’s right to choose his path, saying the four-time champion “has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants” while hoping he remains in F1 to pursue a fifth title.