McLaren Formula 1 chief Zak Brown has expressed that the possibility remains very much open for Max Verstappen to join his team down the line, despite Verstappen recently signing a long-term contract extension with Red Bull. Before committing to stay with Red Bull through 2030, Verstappen had discussions with Brown while considering his future in F1.
Although Brown has never ruled out signing Verstappen, he emphasized his satisfaction with his current driver lineup of reigning world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s contract extension may officially last until 2030, but it includes performance clauses that could allow the four-time world champion to leave early if Red Bull continues to struggle with competitiveness next season.
Such an early exit clause could pave the way for a switch to McLaren in the future, though signing Verstappen would require Brown to make room by releasing either Norris or Piastri, who are under contract until the end of 2030 and 2028, respectively.
In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Brown reflected on his recent conversations with Verstappen, saying, “I spoke to Max a couple of times last summer because I wanted to get to know him better. If I had to describe him in one word now, it would be ‘charming’—a description that might surprise people who don’t know him well. I’m genuinely impressed by him; he’s a true racer through and through.”
Brown noted Verstappen’s sharp focus and in-depth understanding of motorsport from a driver’s viewpoint, highlighting his involvement in the GT3 program and technical skills, comparing him to Fernando Alonso in that respect. Brown admitted he would “love” to work with Verstappen someday.
He described the talks as exploratory, aimed at building mutual understanding, and added, “The door is still wide open for Max—whether in 2028, 2029, or beyond. I left the discussions more impressed than I expected and feel like I could really race alongside him because I absolutely hate racing against him.”
Fan Take: For racing enthusiasts, the idea of Verstappen potentially moving to McLaren in the future is electrifying, as it could shake up the competitive dynamics at the top of F1. Such a move would not only reunite Brown with a top-tier talent but could also spark intense rivalries and push the sport into a new era of excitement.
Source: www.crash.net
