Max Verstappen snubs Red Bull and shakes up the F1 driver market? Zak Brown’s prediction. Zak Brown has made his first predictions about the F1 driver market.

The Dutch driver and Red Bull have started 2025 on a worse note compared to 2024, having to contend with a dominant McLaren. The CEO of the Woking-based team believes that Max Verstappen won’t stay much longer with Horner’s team and has shared his thoughts on the driver market.

The final months of 2024 saw a highly competitive championship conclusion, with Red Bull’s dominance reduced compared to the start of the year. This was certainly frustrating for Max Verstappen, who endured a winless streak lasting ten race weekends.

According to Zak Brown, this situation is leading Max Verstappen to look around and consider alternatives to the Austrian team. “I think he will leave at the end of this year,” the McLaren CEO stated. He then gave his prediction on which team is most appealing to the Dutchman. “If I had to bet, I’d put my money on Mercedes.”

Max Verstappen had also been linked to Aston Martin following Adrian Newey’s move to Lance Stroll’s team. However, Zak Brown dismissed this possibility, reiterating his belief in a Mercedes switch and explaining why such a move is not out of the question.

“In the last ten years, they have won the championship seven or eight times. Last year, they won five races. They have stability. We know that Toto appreciates Max.”

Mercedes has started 2025 on the right foot and is currently tied in points with McLaren at the top of the championship, thanks to strong performances from both drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Max Verstappen to Mercedes in Place of George Russell

That is Zak Brown’s theory. “George’s contract expires at the end of this season,” explained the McLaren CEO, adding that Kimi Antonelli, the young talent in whom Wolff has invested over the years, is currently secure.

However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has ruled out the possibility of signing Max Verstappen. The Austrian stated that his focus remains on securing a contract extension with George Russell. “At the moment, signing Verstappen is not on our radar. I have no intention of shifting my attention away from Russell and Antonelli.”