McLaren Racing Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown has shared his thoughts regarding the ongoing speculation that reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull Racing to join Mercedes starting from the 2026 season. With McLaren currently dominating the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, Brown’s comments reflect both his awareness of Verstappen’s talent and his concern about the competitive implications of such a potential move.
So far, the 2025 season has seen McLaren assert itself as the dominant force on the grid, winning nine of the first twelve Grands Prix. However, one driver has consistently stood out as a serious threat to the papaya-colored cars: Max Verstappen. Despite Red Bull Racing’s internal struggles — including the high-profile dismissal of longtime Team Principal Christian Horner — Verstappen has still managed to win two races this season, proving he remains a formidable force on track.
Zak Brown Acknowledges Verstappen’s Impact
In a recent interview, Zak Brown commented on the possibility that Max Verstappen could soon make the switch to Mercedes. According to ongoing reports in the Formula 1 media, the Dutch driver is increasingly being linked to a move to the Silver Arrows in 2026 — a season that will see the introduction of major new technical regulations. Several sources suggest that Mercedes is particularly well-prepared for this regulatory shift and is actively pursuing Max Verstappen as a centerpiece for its next era.
Speaking on The Sports Agent Podcast, Zak Brown acknowledged both the potential strength of a Verstappen-Mercedes partnership and the current vulnerability of Red Bull.
“Mercedes is a team on the rise,” Brown said. “Red Bull, on the other hand, is currently going through a challenging period. That doesn’t mean they won’t overcome it. But the thought of Max in a Mercedes? That’s not a pleasant scenario — he’s incredibly strong!”
A Dangerous Duo for the Competition — and a Massive Blow for Red Bull
Zak Brown made it clear that the potential alliance between Max Verstappen and Mercedes would pose a serious threat to the rest of the grid, including McLaren. But beyond that, he emphasized the devastating effect Verstappen’s departure would have on Red Bull Racing.
Since his debut with the team, Max Verstappen has been the cornerstone of Red Bull’s success. Even amid the recent management shake-ups and operational instability, he has continued to deliver top-tier performances and keep the Austrian team competitive. Together with teammate Sergio Pérez, Verstappen has helped maintain Red Bull’s position as a frontrunning team in the championship over recent seasons.
“That’s why I’d prefer he stayed where he is,” Brown admitted. “It would be a disaster for Red Bull if they lost Max.”
His comments underscore just how central Verstappen has become not only to Red Bull’s competitive standing, but also to the dynamic of the current Formula 1 landscape. The departure of such a high-caliber driver — especially to a direct rival like Mercedes — could significantly alter the competitive balance heading into the next regulation era.
Verstappen’s Decision Looms Large Over the 2026 Season
Max Verstappen’s future remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Formula 1. With his current contract at Red Bull technically running through the 2028 season, any exit would require a negotiated release — a possibility that seems increasingly viable given the ongoing unrest within the team following Horner’s departure and internal power struggles.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly expressed interest in Verstappen, and with Lewis Hamilton now driving for Ferrari, the team has a seat available alongside George Russell for 2026. Many in the paddock believe that if Mercedes can offer a compelling technical package under the new regulations, it could be the ideal environment for Verstappen to continue his dominance in a new chapter.
While McLaren focuses on maintaining its edge in the 2025 title battle, Zak Brown is keeping a watchful eye on how the driver market evolves — especially when it involves a rival team potentially pairing with the reigning world champion. For now, Brown’s preference is clear: Max Verstappen staying at Red Bull is better for everyone else’s chances.
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