F1 Boss Casts Further Doubt Over Max Verstappen’s Red B… read more
The future of reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen remains a hot topic in the paddock, as McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown becomes the latest figure to cast serious doubt over the Dutchman’s long-term commitment to Red Bull. Speaking during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Brown did not hold back in fuelling speculation that Verstappen may be preparing to jump ship ahead of the new 2026 regulations, possibly to rivals Mercedes.
Brown, known for his intense rivalry with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, seized the opportunity to stir further unrest within the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Tensions have been running high across the grid this season, but nowhere more so than at Red Bull, where Verstappen’s future has increasingly come under scrutiny despite his current dominance on track. The 2025 season has seen Verstappen maintain his edge, but off-track politics and growing uncertainty have taken centre stage.
The conversation around Verstappen’s future intensified following reports that his camp had initiated contact with Mercedes, a rumour that quickly gained traction ahead of Silverstone. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and driver George Russell both acknowledged that talks had taken place during the previous race weekend in Austria, though they downplayed the depth and seriousness of those conversations. However, their admissions alone were enough to raise eyebrows and fuel media frenzy.
When asked directly at Silverstone whether he would remain with Red Bull in 2026, Verstappen avoided offering a concrete answer. His refusal to firmly shut down the rumours led Zak Brown to make a pointed observation. “I think if he was definitely in the Red Bull car in 2026, that’s what he’d be saying when he is asked the question,” Brown told Viaplay. “There seems to be a lot of waffling around—about he is, he isn’t, he has a contract, but maybe, maybe not. All I can do is watch.”
Verstappen’s current contract runs through the 2028 season, which on the surface should lock him in long-term. However, multiple sources have reported that the agreement includes a performance-related exit clause. While the exact details are not public, speculation suggests the clause could be triggered if Red Bull fails to deliver a competitive car capable of contending for the championship. Some reports claim the clause activates if Verstappen finishes outside the top four in the standings, while others say the trigger is a drop outside the top two. Regardless, it leaves room for doubt, especially with the looming regulation changes in 2026.
The significance of the 2026 season cannot be overstated. With sweeping new power unit and aerodynamic regulations, the competitive order could shift dramatically. Mercedes has been positioning itself for a return to the front, and their ongoing development and restructuring have been widely regarded as promising. For Brown, the idea of Verstappen behind the wheel of a rising Mercedes outfit is a genuine concern. “Max in a Mercedes is definitely nerve-wracking, because they’re a team on the rise,” he said. “So a Max Verstappen in a Mercedes? That’s a nail-biter.”
Brown didn’t stop there, emphasizing the impact a Verstappen departure would have on Red Bull. “I think it’d be a disaster for Red Bull if he were to leave. He’s clearly carrying the team,” he added, pointing to Verstappen’s dominance compared to teammate Sergio Pérez, who has struggled to match the Dutchman’s pace and consistency.
Behind the scenes, Christian Horner and Red Bull executives are said to be working hard to reassure Verstappen of their long-term competitiveness. But with increasing pressure, the FIA’s evolving technical landscape, and Mercedes actively courting the sport’s biggest name, keeping Verstappen onboard is far from a done deal.
As the 2025 season rolls on, the focus on Verstappen’s on-track performance is now rivalled by speculation about his next career move. With the paddock already rife with rumours, and Verstappen himself offering little in the way of clarity, the uncertainty surrounding his future has become a defining narrative of the year. Whether he stays loyal to Red Bull or takes on a new challenge at Mercedes, one thing is certain—the battle for Max Verstappen’s signature may shape the future of Formula 1 for years to come.
