McLaren CEO Zak Brown says Max Verstappen is ‘carrying Red Bull’ as Mercedes whispers grow louder
McLaren CEO Zak Brown didn’t hold back ahead of the British Grand Prix, declaring Max Verstappen is effectively “carrying” Red Bull - and hinting at deeper rumblings behind the scenes.
Reports, backed by Brown’s sharp tone, claim the Dutch world champion is open to joining Mercedes in 2026.
No smoke without fire
Brown didn’t mince words. “When there’s smoke, there’s fire,” he told Sky Sports News.
It’s telling, he added, that no one in the paddock is dismissing the chatter. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Max in a Mercedes,” he said - words that strike at the heart of Red Bull’s operations.
This comes amidst fresh speculation that Verstappen’s Red Bull deal - legally binding until 2028 - might include performance-related clauses, giving him a route out if results falter.
Those rumours are only gaining traction as Mercedes prepares for F1’s new era in 2026.
Red Bull calm, Brown unconvinced
Unsurprisingly, Christian Horner has played it cool, pointing out that Mercedes “have their own issues,” calling the talk nothing more than paddock noise and assuring that Verstappen remains contracted.
But Brown disagrees, noting that such rumours only deepen the narrative - and that uncertainty keeps the sport compelling.
The undercurrent of all this is Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s reported interest.
George Russell’s delayed contract extension and Wolff’s candid remarks about confidential discussions suggest they’re preparing a back-up plan.
If Verstappen were to switch to Mercedes, it would be one of F1’s biggest driver moves.
Such a seismic shift in the driver market would not only reshape Red Bull’s driver hierarchy but send shockwaves through the entire grid.
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