McLaren Reject Max Verstappen Amid Red Bull Uncertainty and Driver M… read more
McLaren have categorically ruled out any possibility of signing reigning world champion Max Verstappen, despite ongoing speculation regarding his future with Red Bull. With Verstappen increasingly linked to a potential switch to Mercedes for the 2026 season, McLaren’s firm stance has brought a rare moment of clarity in what is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable F1 driver markets in recent memory.
In a recent interview on Virgin Radio UK with host Chris Evans, McLaren CEO Zak Brown addressed the speculation head-on. When asked whether he would accept Verstappen into the McLaren fold if given the chance, Brown responded without hesitation: “100 per cent, 100 per cent my guys.” Brown was referring to McLaren’s current driver lineup — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — both of whom have played pivotal roles in the team’s impressive rise through the F1 pecking order over the last two seasons. Brown added, “I love my guys, 25, 23, as fast as anyone, great guys.”
This show of loyalty to Norris and Piastri comes at a time when many teams might be tempted to pursue Verstappen, given his reputation, four world titles, and unparalleled consistency over the past half-decade. But for Brown, success at McLaren is about more than raw speed or championship pedigree — it’s about synergy, culture, and long-term vision. He praised the unique dynamic between his two young drivers, noting how their differing personalities have become assets in McLaren’s garage. “They’re different characters, they’re both awesome and it’s, to me, what has driven McLaren’s success here recently,” Brown said. “It’s our culture, it’s our people, and that starts with your drivers.”
Brown emphasized the team-first mentality that has taken root at McLaren in recent seasons, pointing to how Norris and Piastri are fiercely competitive but also respectful team players. Their chemistry, he believes, is central to maintaining a winning atmosphere and pushing each other to new heights. Drawing a comparison to his own working relationship with team principal Andrea Stella, Brown remarked, “Andrea and I have very complementary skill sets and very different skill sets, and you kind of have that with Lando and Oscar. They also push each other, they learn from each other on and off the track.”
This unshakable faith in his current drivers is backed by performance data. Norris and Piastri have been instrumental in McLaren’s dominance this season, propelling the team to the top of the Constructors’ Championship with a staggering 238-point lead over second-placed Ferrari. After consecutive victories at the Austrian and British Grands Prix, the duo are locked in a private battle for the Drivers’ Championship as well. Only eight points separate the two, with Norris making up ground on Piastri following strong showings in the past two races.
Verstappen, meanwhile, finds himself in an unusually turbulent position. Red Bull’s recent decline in form has put a dent in his title hopes and opened the door for rival teams to capitalize. Compounding the situation is the recent bombshell announcement that Christian Horner has been sacked from his role as Red Bull’s team principal after 20 years at the helm. The leadership shake-up has added further uncertainty about Verstappen’s long-term future with the team.
Although Mercedes have confirmed that they have spoken to Verstappen about a potential move for the 2026 season, nothing is set in stone. Team principal Toto Wolff and driver George Russell have both acknowledged that conversations have taken place, and the wider paddock is abuzz with speculation. But while Mercedes are actively considering Verstappen as a potential signing, McLaren have made it clear that they are staying the course.
Brown’s decision not to pursue Verstappen also reflects a growing confidence in McLaren’s internal strategy. Both Norris and Piastri are secured on long-term contracts, ensuring stability for years to come. Unlike some teams who are desperately looking to fill gaps or rebuild, McLaren find themselves in a position of strength — both in terms of driver talent and team cohesion. The ability of Norris and Piastri to recover from a collision at the Canadian Grand Prix and continue racing cleanly in subsequent events is testament to their maturity and growing professionalism.
In an era where team chemistry is often disrupted by contract disputes or ego clashes, McLaren’s approach stands out. Brown’s comments show a team that is not only winning but doing so on its own terms. While Verstappen remains a generational talent and the crown jewel of the driver market, McLaren are signaling that they do not need a star signing to validate their progress. Instead, they are betting on the continued evolution of two young drivers who have already proven they can lead the team to victory.
As the 2025 season progresses and Verstappen weighs his options amid Red Bull’s internal chaos, McLaren’s consistency and clarity provide a compelling counterpoint. In an industry where the allure of quick fixes and high-profile transfers often proves irresistible, Zak Brown’s unwavering faith in Norris and Piastri could very well be the formula that delivers McLaren their first championship since 2008. And if their current trajectory is any indication, they may not need Verstappen — or anyone else — to get there.
