McLaren Chief Admits to Talks with Max Verstappen’s Camp Over Potential F1 Signing
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that he held discussions with Max Verstappen’s management during the 2024–2025 Formula 1 winter break, exploring the possibility of bringing the reigning World Champion to the Woking-based team. Despite McLaren having recently solidified their driver lineup with long-term contract extensions for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Brown revealed that he still saw value in speaking with Verstappen’s representative, Raymond Vermeulen.
In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Brown was candid about the nature of the conversations, describing them as part of his broader responsibility to keep tabs on the F1 driver market. “Oh yes, about that call…” Brown said. “It’s my job to explore the market and understand what’s happening. Even though I was also negotiating a new deal with one of my own drivers, Oscar Piastri, it’s important to be aware of any potential shifts.”
Brown emphasized that his inquiry wasn’t necessarily aimed at replacing any of his current drivers, but rather at understanding whether any moves in the market could have a knock-on effect. “You need to know if a domino might fall,” he explained. “Because if something significant happens elsewhere, it might suddenly spark interest in my own drivers. Staying informed is just part of doing the job right.”
Though the McLaren team had extended their commitment to Norris and Piastri, both of whom have been performing exceptionally well in the 2025 season, Brown’s curiosity about Verstappen’s situation illustrates how dynamic and unpredictable the F1 driver market can be—even at the top levels.
The backdrop to these talks is McLaren’s recent resurgence in form. At the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren achieved a second consecutive 1-2 finish, solidifying their strong presence in the constructors’ standings. Oscar Piastri, in particular, has been a standout performer. His win in Miami marked a hat trick of consecutive Grand Prix victories, further cementing his place at the top of the drivers’ championship leaderboard. Lando Norris has also delivered consistent podium finishes, helping McLaren build a 105-point lead over Mercedes in the constructors’ standings.
With such success, Brown had every reason to express satisfaction with his current drivers. “I’m a happy camper,” he remarked, referring to how well Piastri and Norris have gelled and performed on track. The stability and skill of his lineup have positioned McLaren as serious title contenders, something that hasn’t been true for many years.
Interestingly, the news about the Verstappen talks initially emerged from the Red Bull driver himself. Verstappen lightheartedly referenced the brief negotiations, suggesting they didn’t progress far once Brown heard the financial expectations. According to Verstappen, the call ended swiftly after his manager outlined what it would take financially to bring the three-time World Champion onboard.
Brown didn’t deny this account and added his own humorous twist. “Let’s just say that during that phone call, I got the information I needed,” he said, hinting that the cost of luring Verstappen away from Red Bull—where he is under contract until 2028—was far beyond what McLaren would consider reasonable, especially given their already strong and cost-effective driver lineup.
While the prospect of Verstappen in a papaya orange McLaren might excite fans, the reality is that such a move remains highly unlikely under the current circumstances. Verstappen remains deeply embedded in the Red Bull Racing structure, both in terms of loyalty and contractual obligations. His dominance with Red Bull has made him one of the most successful and sought-after drivers in the sport’s history.
Still, the fact that McLaren even entertained the idea of making a move for Verstappen signals the team’s growing ambition and confidence. Just a few seasons ago, McLaren was struggling in the midfield, far removed from title contention. Now, with a high-performing car and two of the sport’s most promising talents, the team is back in the spotlight—and perhaps even dreaming of championship glory.
Ultimately, while the Verstappen talks may not have led to a dramatic driver switch, they highlighted McLaren’s strategic thinking and commitment to staying competitive at the highest level. For Zak Brown, knowing the lay of the land is essential—even if it sometimes means having a short but eye-opening phone call.
