Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 raises new questions after Zak Brown’s latest comments.
The question of Max Verstappen’s future has gained new momentum after a turbulent start to the 2026 season.
The Red Bull driver has been linked with several rival teams after a turbulent start to the 2026 season, where Red Bull hasn’t had the start they’d hoped for. At the same time, Verstappen himself has been critical of parts of the new Formula 1 regulations.
The speculation hasn’t eased either after reports that Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, is leaving Red Bull for McLaren. The duo have worked together throughout Verstappen’s most successful period in Formula 1.
Zak Brown happy with McLaren’s drivers
McLaren boss Zak Brown was asked about Verstappen and whether McLaren could be an option if the world champion leaves Red Bull.
Brown stressed that McLaren isn’t planning any changes.
“From McLaren’s perspective, I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar. We have long-term contracts with them and I think it’s the best driver line-up both on and off the track,” Brown tells Sky Sports F1.
At the same time, Brown admits that Max Verstappen is of course a name that would be interesting if the situation at McLaren were to change.
“If one of our drivers were to leave, Max is of course an enormous talent, but I don’t expect that,” he says.
Mercedes singled out as a possible destination
When Brown himself gets to speculate on where Max Verstappen could go if he leaves Red Bull, he instead points to Mercedes.
“If I were to put money on it, I’d say Mercedes,” Brown says.
Mercedes have previously been linked with Verstappen, and team principal Toto Wolff has on several occasions expressed great respect for the Red Bull driver.
For Max Verstappen, the question of his future isn’t just about which team can offer the strongest contract, but also which manufacturer succeeds best with Formula 1’s new technical regulations.
With major changes on both the engine and chassis side, 2026 has already become a season where the competitive order can shift quickly. That makes Verstappen’s future one of the biggest questions in Formula 1 right now.
