McLaren chief Zak Brown accused after using Max Verstappen to…read more
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has recently faced accusations of attempting to “destabilise” Red Bull after making comments about Max Verstappen’s future. Brown, known for being an outspoken critic of Red Bull and its boss Christian Horner, has been vocal in speculating about Verstappen’s potential departure from the team. McLaren managed to surpass Red Bull in the previous Formula 1 season by securing the Constructors’ Championship, while Verstappen still held on to his title as Drivers’ Champion. However, this year, his dominance seems to be under threat, as McLaren’s cars have proven to be more competitive, challenging Red Bull’s performance on track.
Verstappen’s future has been a subject of much speculation, especially considering his contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028. However, it is known that the contract includes performance clauses that could allow Verstappen to leave if Red Bull fails to provide him with a competitive car. Despite Verstappen’s current ties to Red Bull, there have been rumors surrounding his potential move to other teams, particularly Aston Martin and Mercedes. While Aston Martin has shown interest in Verstappen, they recently denied a report claiming they had offered him a £1 billion contract. Additionally, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reportedly spent considerable effort last year trying to convince the Dutch driver to join the Silver Arrows.
In a recent interview, Zak Brown suggested that Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull was increasingly likely, predicting that he could leave at the end of this season, most likely joining Mercedes. Brown’s comments raised eyebrows, with some questioning his motives. Mark Gallagher, a former Red Bull commercial chief, expressed concerns about Brown’s statements, suggesting that McLaren might be trying to destabilize their biggest competitor by fueling speculation about Verstappen’s future. Gallagher emphasized that only Verstappen and Red Bull know the details of the driver’s contract, meaning Brown’s comments were based on speculation rather than facts.
Gallagher also pointed out that it was unusual for a team principal to comment on the contract of another team’s driver, adding that Zak Brown’s remarks might have an ulterior motive. He questioned whether Brown’s comments were strategically designed to create uncertainty at Red Bull and potentially shake their confidence. While Gallagher respects Brown’s leadership, he emphasized the importance of considering the bigger picture behind such remarks.
However, Gallagher also noted that the future situation could change depending on how the teams perform in the coming months. If Mercedes were to emerge as a more competitive team than Red Bull, then Verstappen might consider making a move. While Mercedes’ performance has lagged behind Red Bull in recent years, Gallagher suggested that Verstappen’s decision would ultimately be based on finding the most competitive car. While Verstappen is known to have significant financial security, Gallagher believes the driver’s primary motivation would still be to secure a spot in a competitive car capable of winning races and championships.
In conclusion, while speculation around Verstappen’s future continues, Mark Gallagher believes that the key factors influencing his decision will be performance and competitiveness rather than financial incentives. The possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull for another team remains uncertain, and as Gallagher pointed out, McLaren’s comments may be part of a broader strategy to weaken Red Bull’s position in t
he sport.
