Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been in question for some time, and teams such as McLaren and Mercedes have been identified as the multi-time world champion’s next target.
At least half of the Formula 1 driver grid ends their contracts with their current teams at the end of 2026, and although this is not the specific case of Max Verstappen, the Dutchman has been one of the most notable in wanting to seek new horizons, especially after how complicated this season is being for Red Bull.
Mercedes has not been the only team with which Max has been linked, since according to reports from the Daily Mail, the Dutchman’s team would already be in informal talks with Zak Brown, Head of McLaren.
Lando Norris, intimidated by the four-time world champion?
After the rumors of the Verstappen team meeting with the McLaren boss, Lando Norris was questioned about a possible transfer from Red Bull to the papaya team, and far from feeling intimidated, he was proud of what they have achieved as a team:
“It’s good that a four-time world champion wants to join (McLaren)… I don’t know how much of that is true. (But) it’s something great,” said the Englishman.
Lando Norris also revealed that Max is not the only driver who could be interested in joining the Woking team, since according to his statements, he also knows of several on the grid who would be delighted to be part of the McLaren ranks.
To put an end to the rumors surrounding the dismemberment of the team, Norris emphasized that he is happy and excited about his future with the British team and the link he has achieved with Oscar Piastri, his current teammate, so for the moment they remain focused on the project they have led together.
Verstappen and McLaren, a partnership that should not be ruled out
While it is true that Verstappen’s transfer to McLaren is still a rumor, the association with the Dutchman cannot be completely ruled out, since the British team has an asset that could be very interesting for Max: Gianpiero Lambiase.
The engineer who worked side by side with Verstappen since his arrival at Red Bull in 2016, was key to achieving his success on the track with the Austrian team, however, a few months ago it was announced that starting with the 2028 season he will fully join the ranks of McLaren as Racing Director.
Be that as it may, and after the disastrous results so far this season, it is difficult to see Verstappen in Red Bull beyond 2026, for now we only have to wait to see if the legendary driver says goodbye to the top category forever or if he opts for a new project like Mercedes or McLaren. Only time will tell us.
