Max Verstappen ‘close’ to McLaren agreement as fresh report claims Red Bull exit decision is imminent – Fresh speculation over Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future has intensified after a new report claimed the four-time world champion is nearing an agreement with McLaren.
While there has been no confirmation from either party, the latest claims suggest lengthy discussions have progressed to an advanced stage as uncertainty continues to surround Verstappen’s future at Red Bull.
New report claims McLaren negotiations are nearing completion
Rumours linking Verstappen with McLaren first emerged around the Austrian Grand Prix, with the Dutchman’s representatives reportedly denying that active negotiations were taking place.
However, the speculation has refused to disappear.
According to the Daily Mail, preliminary discussions between Verstappen’s camp and McLaren had already taken place, with an unnamed insider saying the prospect of signing the former world champion was “an idea that appeals to McLaren.”
Now, PlanetF1 reports that multiple paddock sources believe Verstappen and McLaren are in the “final stages of lengthy negotiations regarding a transfer.”
The publication claims that once those discussions conclude, Verstappen will make a final decision over whether to remain at Red Bull or move to the reigning constructors’ champions. According to the report, that decision is said to be imminent.
Neither Red Bull, McLaren nor Verstappen has publicly confirmed the claims.
Exit clause continues to fuel Red Bull uncertainty
Much of the ongoing speculation centres on a reported performance clause within Verstappen’s contract, which officially runs until the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season.
Multiple media outlets have previously reported that the clause could allow Verstappen to leave Red Bull if he is outside the top two in the drivers’ championship by the summer break.
With Verstappen currently trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli and second-placed George Russell, those reports have fuelled continued debate over whether the clause could become active.
PlanetF1 further claims Red Bull attempted to buy out the reported exit clause for a substantial financial package, but says Verstappen declined the proposal. The publication also alleges frustration has grown within Red Bull’s senior management following recent weeks of intense speculation surrounding the Dutchman.
These claims have not been independently verified by TJ13.
Reports suggest tensions have risen inside Red Bull
The latest report also alleges that relations between Verstappen’s camp and Red Bull became increasingly strained during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone.
According to PlanetF1, the situation escalated to the point where Red Bull co-owner Mark Mateschitz is said to have questioned whether the partnership should continue.
No public comments have been made by Mateschitz regarding the reported claims, and Red Bull has not responded publicly to the latest speculation.
The uncertainty comes at a pivotal stage of Formula 1’s driver market as teams continue preparing for the all-new 2027 regulations. Verstappen remains one of the sport’s most valuable assets, meaning any genuine availability would likely reshape the competitive landscape across the grid.
For now, however, the latest reports remain unconfirmed, with neither Verstappen nor McLaren publicly indicating that an agreement has been reached.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. 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.
Red Bull are irritated with MV?!?!
HE is the one driving a car that has now TWICE let him down when cornering … HE is VERY fortunate to have escaped without serious injury!
I would query whether MM should really be holding the position he has at Red Bull HQ
Once again your reporter continues to use the term current world champion when referring to max verstappen instead of ex world champion because as we all know Lando Norris is the current world champion.which leaves one to wonder is this article old or prefabricated news. Your turn to comment.
Thanks for highlighting this, we use a service called DeepL to correct spelling and grammar for many years. Since an AI update some time ago, it adds this into the article for some reason. We usually pick it up, but occasionally it leaks out.
I mean, it’s admirable that you admit to using AI for your articles, but it’s not something I would want people to know if I was trying to pass myself off as a “journalist”
Realistically, they’ve only had informal talks, which everyone has with everyone in the paddocks, & AMuS hasn’t reported about this at all, nor has even Erik Van Haren, the single most reliable individual for all things RB organization, so I’d buy into these only if these two or at least one of them started to report about them.