Brown warns against a Mercedes-Verstappen pairing in 2026

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has admitted he would rather see Max Verstappen remain with Red Bull Racing than move to Mercedes next season, as Formula 1 braces for a seismic shift in technical regulations in 2026.

Brown, whose team will continue to use Mercedes engines in the new era, believes a Verstappen-Mercedes partnership could be a formidable combination – potentially too formidable for the competition.

His reasoning, rooted in the engineering strength of Mercedes’ power unit department, underscores the delicate balance of competition and strategy that governs F1’s elite.

Verstappen, the dominant force behind Red Bull’s recent successes, is at a crossroads. But the Dutchman’s contract with Red Bull, which runs through 2028, reportedly includes an exit clause that could see him depart earlier.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit’s recent struggles – marked by a dip in performance and the departure of key personnel, including legendary designer Adrian Newey – have fueled speculation about the four-time world champion’s future.

Mercedes, with its storied history and promising engine program, looms as a potential destination. Brown, however, is clear about where he stands on the matter.

“If you ask me now and if I look at the current situation, I would rather see Max driving at Red Bull than at Mercedes,” he told De Telegraaf.

Engine Rules Reset Raises the Stakes

The 2026 season will usher in one of the most significant overhauls to F1’s technical regulations in recent memory.

Both the chassis and engine specifications are set for a complete reset. One of the most notable changes will be the requirement for a 50-50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the hybrid system – a challenge that could redefine the competitive order in F1.

Among the manufacturers, Mercedes is believed to be the furthest ahead in developing a potent new power unit. Brown is bullish about what this could mean for McLaren, which will continue as a customer of the German powerhouse.

“What I can say is that I have an incredible amount of confidence in Mercedes,” said the American. “I look at their track record as an engine supplier and their body language.”

• Read also: Honda keen on future reunion with Verstappen after Red Bull split

Red Bull, meanwhile, faces a tougher challenge. For the first time, it is developing its own in-house engine through Red Bull Powertrains, although it has partnered with Ford for technical support in building key hybrid components of the new unit.

However, the uncertainty around Red Bull’s untested engine program makes the idea of Verstappen moving to a team with a proven engine like Mercedes especially daunting for rivals like McLaren.

McLaren's Competitive Calculus

Brown’s concerns were underscored during a recent manufacturers' meeting in Bahrain, where engine builders discussed the impending rule changes and their implications. Mercedes, notably, has shown reluctance toward any last-minute tweaks – interpreted by some as a sign of confidence in its progress.

“There are a lot of parties who want the engine regulations to be changed recently,” Brown noted. “If you think you are competitive, you don’t want to change anything.”

“At Mercedes, I see that they seem very comfortable. Just like we are now about the upcoming rule changes in Barcelona [regarding flexi wings]. But that doesn’t mean we are sitting back.”

While Verstappen’s future remains undecided, it's clear that the McLaren boss sees a potential Verstappen-Mercedes alliance as a threat serious enough to root for continuity at Red Bull – even if it means cheering for a rival.

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