Speculation about Max Verstappen potentially joining McLaren has been quashed by McLaren CEO Zak Brown. This speculation arose following the announcement that Verstappen’s former race engineer GianPiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028. Despite Verstappen's doubts about the 2026 regulations and Red Bull's uncertain season start, Brown emphasized his satisfaction with current drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, noting that there are no plans to replace them. He acknowledged Verstappen's talent but indicated that any move to McLaren is not on the horizon.

By the Numbers
  • McLaren has long-term agreements with both drivers, Norris and Piastri.
  • Zak Brown is confident in their driver pairing, calling it the "greatest driver pairing on and off the track."
Yes, But

While Brown acknowledges Verstappen's exceptional talent, he firmly stated that McLaren's priorities align with their current roster, suggesting that any potential driver shifts would not include Verstappen.

State of Play
  • McLaren is currently focused on maximizing the talents of Norris and Piastri.
  • Verstappen's future remains uncertain amid regulatory changes and team dynamics at Red Bull.
What's Next

Future developments may hinge on performance outcomes in the coming seasons, potentially reigniting interest in a move for drivers like Verstappen, but for now, McLaren appears set with its current drivers.

Bottom Line

McLaren's commitment to its existing driver lineup signals a clear and confident strategy for the future, indicating they see no need for Verstappen, regardless of speculation around his next career moves.