Zak Brown shuts down Verstappen-to-McLaren fantasy

As speculation swirls around Max Verstappen and his long-term future in Formula 1, McLaren boss Zak Brown has brushed aside suggestions that the four-time world champion could one day follow trusted race engineer GianPiero Lambiase to Woking.

The rumor mill kicked into overdrive after confirmation that Lambiase will leave Red Bull to join McLaren in 2028 – a move that immediately sparked talk of a potential reunion with Verstappen further down the line.

Add in Red Bull’s shaky start to the season and Verstappen’s own doubts about the incoming 2026 regulations, and suddenly the paddock had a storyline.

Zak Brown isn’t entertaining the fantasy – not now, not anytime soon.

Speaking candidly, Brown made it clear that McLaren’s focus is firmly on the present – and on the drivers already delivering results.

"From McLaren's point of view, I couldn't be happier with Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri]," he told Sky Sports F1.

"We have long-term agreements with them, and I think it's the greatest driver pairing on and off the track. So we have no intention of replacing any of our two superstars."

It’s a strong vote of confidence in Norris and Piastri – and a clear signal that, for all of Verstappen’s accolades, there’s no vacancy sign hanging at McLaren.

Verstappen’s future: not Woking?

Still, Brown didn’t entirely dismiss Verstappen’s stature or the intrigue surrounding his next move. He simply doesn’t see it aligning with McLaren’s plans.

“Obviously, if one [of our drivers] were to go away, then yeah, Max is a huge talent, but I'm not anticipating that,” he added.

Instead, Brown offered a prediction that will only fuel further debate across the grid: “Where might he go? If I had to bet, I'd say to Mercedes.”

The remark shifts the spotlight once again toward the Brackley squad – a team already synonymous with dominance and potentially eyeing its next era-defining driver.

For now, though, McLaren’s message is unmistakable: the future they’re building doesn’t require Verstappen – no matter who else walks through the door.

Read also: Brown sees long-term McLaren future for Lambiase

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