McLaren Confirms No Interest in Verstappen as Mercedes Talks Emerge
In a recent interview, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown dispelled rumors linking Max Verstappen to a potential move to Mercedes, emphasizing satisfaction with current drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. “I couldn’t be happier with Oscar and Lando,” Brown stated, affirming that McLaren has no interest in pursuing Verstappen.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed he is in discussions with Verstappen, though he placed the likelihood of a deal for 2026 as low. “I think we have a perfect line-up that we very much enjoy,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1, referring to George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose contracts expire at the end of the year. However, he acknowledged the challenges of future planning in Formula 1, stating, "You don’t know what’s going to be in three or five years."
While Wolff’s comments indicate no immediate shift in Mercedes’ driver lineup, the prospect of Verstappen, a four-time world champion under contract with Red Bull through 2028, remains a topic of speculation. Amidst these discussions, it was announced that Christian Horner has been replaced as CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing by Laurent Mekies, a change that could impact Verstappen’s long-term decisions regarding his future with the team.
As the motorsport season progresses, the dynamics of driver contracts continue to evolve, underscoring the need for strategic foresight in an ever-competitive landscape.
