Zak Brown drops bombshell on Verstappen’s future, Red Bull on high alert as Max Verstappen’s uncertain future sparks more speculation – The already simmering tensions surrounding Max Verstappen’s future in Formula One have been further inflamed by a sensational claim from McLaren CEO Zak Brown. According to Brown, Verstappen is set to leave Red Bull at the end of the season in a blockbuster move to Mercedes. While McLaren are not in the running to sign the four-time world champion, Brown believes the Dutchman’s next destination is all but set.
Brown’s comments come amid ongoing turmoil within the Red Bull Racing camp. The controversial saga surrounding team principal Christian Horner, combined with internal power struggles and dissatisfaction within the Verstappen camp, has fueled speculation that the sport’s dominant driver could be on the move.
Although Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, recent developments have cast doubt on whether he will see out the full term of the deal.
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Brown and Horner: A long-standing rivalry
Brown’s claim about Verstappen’s departure is just the latest chapter in his ongoing feud with Red Bull boss Christian Horner. The animosity between the two dates back to 2022, when Red Bull was found guilty of breaching F1’s budget cap regulations.
At the time, Brown publicly called for a severe penalty from the FIA, a stance that infuriated Horner. The relationship between the two team bosses has remained frosty ever since, with frequent clashes in the media.
In recent years, McLaren’s resurgence as a top team has only exacerbated their rivalry. As the Woking-based outfit have climbed back up the pecking order, challenging for podiums and victories, the tensions between Brown and Horner have become more apparent. Their tense dynamic was highlighted in the latest series of Drive to Survive, with behind-the-scenes footage of their verbal sparring.
Brown, however, is not one to shy away from confrontation. Speaking to The Telegraph, the McLaren boss openly acknowledged the friction between himself and Horner. “I don’t like the way he does things and I’m sure he feels the same about me,” Brown admitted.
But far from seeing it as a problem, Brown embraces the rivalry. “I think it’s good for the sport. You need different characters. You need these rivalries. Some are friendly, sporting rivalries. Some are a bit meaner. It’s always been like that.”
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Verstappen and Brown’s latest exchange fuels rumours
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future intensified over the weekend of the Australian Grand Prix when it emerged that he had spoken to Brown.
While the Red Bull driver downplayed the conversation – joking that Brown hung up as soon as he heard Verstappen’s salary expectations – the McLaren CEO seized the moment to stoke the flames.
“Oh, I think he’s going to leave at the end of the year,” Brown declared when asked about Verstappen’s contract situation. The bold statement sent shockwaves through the paddock, putting Red Bull further on edge as they attempt to secure their star driver’s long-term commitment.
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Where will Verstappen go
The question now is not just whether Verstappen will leave Red Bull, but where he will go if he does. Since the end of 2023, the reigning world champion has been linked with a possible move to Mercedes.
With Lewis Hamilton set to depart for Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is on the hunt for a top-tier driver to fill the vacant seat alongside George Russell. The most dominant driver of the current era, Verstappen is an obvious target.
Wolff has not been shy about his admiration for Verstappen. He has repeatedly stated that he would welcome a conversation with the Dutchman should he decide to leave Red Bull. The prospect of Verstappen at the wheel of a Mercedes has gained traction, especially after reports emerged of Jos Verstappen’s frustration with Red Bull management.
The elder Verstappen has made his grievances public, fuelling speculation that he could play a role in orchestrating a move for his son.
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Other teams linked with Verstappen, but Brown believes Mercedes is the real destination
Mercedes are not the only team linked with Verstappen, however. Aston Martin have also been linked, particularly following reports that Adrian Newey – the mastermind behind Red Bull’s dominant cars – could be lured to the Silverstone-based outfit. Aston Martin’s billionaire owner, Lawrence Stroll, has been aggressive in his ambitions and Verstappen would be the ultimate coup.
Despite Aston Martin’s growing presence, Brown remains convinced that Verstappen’s most likely destination is Mercedes.
“He will probably go to Mercedes. There’s also been talk of Aston Martin, especially now that Adrian Newey is joining. But as great as Adrian is – and he’s the best ever – you need a whole team around you. You need the right culture. That takes time. If I had to bet, I’d bet on Mercedes.”
Mercedes: The logical choice for Verstappen?
Brown’s belief that Verstappen will join Mercedes is based on more than just speculation. The German manufacturer’s track record makes it an attractive option for any driver looking to add to their legacy.
“They have won the championship eight times in the last 10 years. They won five races last year. They have stability,” explained Brown.
“We know Toto likes him. And I think we all feel that Mercedes High Performance Powertrains are best prepared for the new engine regulations next year.”
The 2026 rule changes will introduce new power unit regulations, and many in the paddock believe that Mercedes have positioned themselves best to capitalise on the change. With Red Bull currently relying on their Red Bull Powertrains partnership with Ford, there is uncertainty over whether they can maintain their dominance under the new regulations.
Mercedes, on the other hand, have a long history of producing championship-winning engines and could give Verstappen the best chance of continuing to win.
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Red Bull under pressure
Brown’s comments have further destabilised Red Bull at a time when the team is already facing internal turmoil. The controversy surrounding Horner, the ongoing power struggle within the team and concerns over their competitiveness in 2026 have combined to create an environment of uncertainty.
Should Verstappen decide to leave, it would be a seismic blow for Red Bull. The Dutchman has been the foundation of their success, delivering four consecutive world titles and cementing his status as the team’s greatest ever driver. Losing him would not only weaken their on-track prospects, but also deal a massive psychological blow to the organisation.
For now, Verstappen has remained relatively quiet about his long-term plans. But with influential figures such as Brown publicly predicting his departure, the pressure is mounting on Red Bull to secure his future. Whether he stays or goes, one thing is certain – Max Verstappen’s contract situation will be the biggest story of the 2025 F1 season.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
