Future Verstappen, Brown’s prediction: “If I had to bet, I’d say he’ll go to Mercedes”

Does he stay or go? Max Verstappen’s future continues to be the central focus of the Formula 1 driver market and will remain so until the Dutch champion has decided what to do in 2027. There are three options on the table: staying in Red Bull, leaving the Circus to focus on other categories or changing the jersey. In fact, the four-time world champion continues to be placed next to almost half the grid, month after month. The recent announcement of the hiring by McLaren of Verstappen’s historic race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase – who will join the Woking team no later than 2028 – has also added team papaya to the list of suitors for the Dutch superstar. CEO Zak Brown, in an interview with Sky Sport UK, however ruled out that Lambiase’s arrival was designed to ‘attract’ Verstappen. “From a McLaren point of view I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar – said Brown – we have long-term agreements with them and I think they form the best driver duo on the grid, both on and off the track, so we have no intention of replacing either of our two champions. Obviously if one of them were to leave, yes, Max is a huge talent, but I don’t see that happening.” Mercedes favorite Brown, however, did not shy away from a prediction on what could be the fate of the four-time world champion, focusing on the option that has been most talked about and written about in recent years, namely the ‘move’ to the court of Toto Wolff: “Where could he go? If I had to bet, I would say to Mercedes”, ruled the McLaren CEO. Kimi Antonelli and above all George Russell are warned…

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News
2026-04-30 16:00:00