Zak Brown responds to Max Verstappen transfer speculation – McLaren CEO Zak Brown has addressed growing speculation linking Max Verstappen with a sensational move away from Red Bull, insisting the team’s current driver line-up remains firmly in place while admitting the four-time Formula 1 world champion would inevitably be considered if circumstances unexpectedly changed.
Rumours surrounding Verstappen’s future have intensified in recent weeks, despite his management repeatedly stating their priority remains staying with Red Bull. Reports have suggested McLaren has emerged as one of several teams linked with the Dutchman as uncertainty continues over Red Bull’s long-term competitiveness.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the Austrian Grand Prix, Brown made it clear he expects both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to remain at McLaren for the foreseeable future.
“I would be very surprised if Lando and Oscar went anywhere else because they are very happy. Of course, they have contracts, but even apart from that, we are very happy with them and they are very happy with us,” Brown said.
However, the American stopped short of completely dismissing the prospect of signing Verstappen in the future.
“If one of them gets out of the bathtub for some strange reason and slips on a banana peel, then yes, of course. Max is a four-time world champion.”
Verstappen’s camp rejects McLaren negotiations
The latest speculation follows reports claiming Verstappen had held discussions with McLaren, claims that have since been firmly denied by his manager, Raymond Vermeulen.
Vermeulen insisted there have been no negotiations with the Woking-based outfit and reiterated that Verstappen’s priority is to remain with Red Bull, provided the team can once again deliver a championship-winning package.
“There’s nothing to it. There were no negotiations [with McLaren]. As I said, we’ll wait and see how the car develops over the next few weeks. We definitely want to stay with Red Bull, but with a winning car,” Vermeulen told Bild.
Those comments reinforce Verstappen’s previously stated position that his future will largely depend on Red Bull’s ability to return to the front of the Formula 1 field.
Lambiase link adds fuel to speculation
Transfer rumours have also been strengthened by reports surrounding Gianpiero Lambiase’s future.
The long-serving Red Bull race engineer, who has worked closely with Verstappen throughout his championship-winning years, has been heavily linked with a future move to McLaren. Multiple reports suggest Lambiase could join the team by 2028 in a senior leadership position, with widespread paddock speculation indicating he is viewed as a potential future team principal.
Given the close working relationship between Verstappen and Lambiase, the reported move has inevitably prompted further speculation over whether the reigning world champion could eventually follow.
Although Brown’s comments were delivered light-heartedly, they underline Verstappen’s unique status within Formula 1’s driver market. Every leading team would likely consider signing the Dutchman if the opportunity arose.
Officially, McLaren remains fully committed to Norris and Piastri, while Verstappen’s management continues to insist Red Bull remains his priority. However, with Red Bull’s competitiveness under intense scrutiny and speculation over future personnel changes continuing, the days of Verstappen being synonymous with Red Bull Racing might well be numbered.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
