Verstappen to Mercedes: Zak Brown fears the pairing, championship at risk?

Zak Brown considers the possibility of Verstappen at Mercedes “scary”

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has expressed his concern about the possible arrival of Max Verstappen at Mercedes. Speculation about a team change for the four-time world champion has been increasing, which has generated various reactions in the Formula 1 world. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed his interest in signing Verstappen, although he downplayed suggestions that negotiations are at an advanced stage. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but there are performance-based release clauses that could allow him to leave early. Mercedes is emerging as the most likely destination for the 25-year-old driver outside of Red Bull, especially due to its position to perform well under the new Formula 1 regulations in 2026. Brown, whose McLaren team has excelled under the current rules, acknowledges that facing a Mercedes with Verstappen would be a significant challenge.

“That’s a little bit scary. I think Mercedes is clearly on an upward trajectory, Red Bull clearly isn’t at the moment, and Max is an incredible talent. Max in a Mercedes, that’s very serious competition.”

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

McLaren has its current drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with long-term contracts. Brown confirmed that he has no interest in signing Verstappen, even if he were available.

“No, I couldn’t be happier with our driver lineup. I’ve said from day one that I think we have the best driver lineup in Formula 1. I wouldn’t trade our two drivers for any others on the grid.”

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

McLaren’s drivers are separated by 15 points in this year’s drivers’ standings, with Verstappen 61 points behind after retiring from the Austrian Grand Prix on the first lap. No driver in F1 history has overcome such a large points deficit to win the title, but with 13 races remaining, Brown does not rule out Verstappen or George Russell, who is nine points behind.

“It’s too early. He’s an incredible talent, and I don’t think George Russell is out of the fight. We’re not even halfway through the season. We see how quickly our season changed last year. There’s no reason that can’t happen with Max or with Mercedes specifically.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

Brown also mentioned that other drivers could be in the fight for the championship, including Ferrari. He concluded that the team must keep working and that it is important to maintain the current advantage, but that there is still a lot of season ahead.