Zak Brown Thought Max Verstappen Was Headed to Mercedes for 2026 Before Red Bull Turnaround

McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed he initially believed Max Verstappen was poised to leave Red Bull and join Mercedes for the 2026 season. This speculation arose amid intense debate over Verstappen's future, fueled by a contract clause that would allow him to depart if he wasn't in the top three of the drivers' championship by the summer break. Ultimately, Verstappen secured his position, the clause wasn't triggered, and he is now set to remain with Red Bull until his contract expires in 2028.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes would have drastically reshaped the F1 grid, creating a monumental shift in team dynamics and championship contention. His decision to stay with Red Bull, despite earlier internal turmoil, reinforces their position as a formidable force, making the challenge for rival teams like McLaren even tougher.

The details:

• Brown's initial belief was that Verstappen would move to Mercedes after the current season, a scenario that now seems highly unlikely.
• A key break clause in Verstappen's contract would have allowed him to leave Red Bull if he wasn't among the top three in the drivers' championship by the summer break.
• Verstappen successfully met this condition, maintaining his position and negating the clause that could have triggered his departure.
• The McLaren CEO acknowledges that recent events suggest renewed stability and performance within Red Bull, largely attributing this to the arrival of new team principal Laurent Mekies.
• Impact on McLaren: Brown now views Verstappen as an even more serious threat in the title race, which directly impacts his drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
  • Brown stated, "Max seems to be better than ever at the moment. So, of course, we take him extremely seriously in the title race. It would be very stupid not to."
• The perceived return to 'peace' within Red Bull after a period of appearing to 'fall apart completely' is seen as unwelcome news for rival teams.

Between the lines:

Zak Brown's comments highlight the underlying anxieties and strategic considerations constantly at play among top F1 teams. The mere possibility of a driver like Verstappen changing teams sends ripples across the paddock, forcing rivals to assess their own strengths and vulnerabilities. His remarks also underscore the internal battles and power shifts within Red Bull that were closely watched by competitors.

What's next:

With Verstappen's future seemingly secured at Red Bull, the focus shifts to how rival teams, especially McLaren, will strategize to challenge his dominance in the upcoming seasons. The stability at Red Bull, combined with Verstappen's continued exceptional performance, sets a high bar for the competition, promising an intense fight for the championship in 2025 and beyond.