Max Verstappen to Mercedes would be ‘scary,' says McLaren's Zak Brown
Zak Brown Calls Potential Verstappen-Mercedes Partnership "Scary"
The prospect of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes has left McLaren CEO Zak Brown describing such a scenario as "scary," as speculation swirls over the four-time World Champion’s future. Despite being under contract with Red Bull through 2028, Verstappen’s potential move has emerged as a hot topic amid talk of performance-related clauses in his contract that might enable an early exit.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff fueled the rumor mill during the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, openly expressing interest in signing Verstappen. However, Wolff has downplayed suggestions that any formal negotiations have begun. While Red Bull currently holds Verstappen under a long-term agreement, reports indicate the 25-year-old could consider leaving if he is not among the top three drivers in the standings by Formula 1’s summer break.
Mercedes: A Likely Destination
Should Verstappen become available, Mercedes stands out as the most plausible landing spot. The team appears poised to capitalize on the sport's regulatory shake-up in 2026. Reflecting on the potential threat of Verstappen in Mercedes colors, Brown admits that this scenario would elevate Mercedes—already a formidable rival—into an even more fearsome opponent.
"That’s a bit scary," Brown told ESPN ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix. "I think Mercedes is clearly on a forward trajectory. Red Bull clearly is not at the moment, and Max is an unbelievable talent. So, Max in a Mercedes—that’s some pretty serious competition."
McLaren Confident in Current Lineup
Despite the allure of Verstappen’s talents, Brown made it clear McLaren has no interest in pursuing the Dutchman, even if he becomes available. With Lando Norris and rookie sensation Oscar Piastri signed to long-term deals, the American executive is fully committed to his current drivers.
"No, I couldn’t be happier with our driver lineup," Brown said. "I’ve said it from day one that I think we have the best driver lineup in Formula 1. I think sitting here right now, it would be difficult to argue—that’s factually and statistically true. Because of the characters they are, the talent they are, on the track and off the track, I wouldn’t trade our two drivers for any other drivers on the grid."
Both Norris and Piastri continue to impress in the current campaign, with just 15 points separating the two in the standings. Meanwhile, Verstappen—who retired after an opening-lap incident at the Austrian Grand Prix—now trails the championship leader by a staggering 61 points. Historically, no driver has overcome such a deficit to win the title, but Brown isn’t counting Verstappen or Mercedes’ George Russell out of contention just yet.
Title Fight Far From Over
Brown remains realistic about the championship picture as the season nears its midpoint. With 13 races still on the calendar, he emphasized that the title fight is far from over and that multiple drivers, including Verstappen and Russell, remain contenders.
"No, it’s way too early [to rule them out]," Brown noted. "He’s an unbelievable talent, of course, and I don’t think George Russell is out of the game. You know, we’re not even halfway through this season.
"We saw how quickly our season turned around last year. There’s absolutely no reason why that can’t happen with Max or Mercedes specifically. George, because of where he is in the points, and even Ferrari—I think we’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing. It’s great that we have a nice lead, and it’s great that we extended it last weekend, but we’ve got a lot of racing to go. I still think you’ve got four drivers realistically in the fight for the drivers’ championship."
Looking Ahead to the British Grand Prix
While McLaren is enjoying a resurgence under the current ruleset, the potential for a Verstappen-Mercedes partnership looms as a long-term threat to its upward trajectory. As the F1 paddock heads to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, one thing is certain—Brown can’t ignore the potential seismic shift Verstappen could bring to any team he joins. For now, however, McLaren is focused on furthering its own competitive stride, confident that its driver lineup and ongoing development keep them firmly planted among the sport's elite.
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