McLaren and Max Verstappen are reportedly closing in on a deal that would see the four-time F1 champion quit Red Bull two years early to partner Lando Norris, though CEO Zak Brown has been loudly denying the rumours.
The Dutch superstar has an escape clause in his contract that means he can negotiate with other teams if he finishes below Top 2 in the driver’s championship. Max’s rear wing failure at Silverstone on Sunday means he is mathematically out of the race, and free to hold talks.
- Click here to download our Apple app
- Click here to download our Android app
And talk he has, according to PlanetF1.com, first travelling to Red Bull’s headquarters in Austria to tell them his plans.
There, Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya tried to convince the 28-year-old to remove his escape clause, even going as far as offering to buy it out of his contract. Max’s refusal to budge reportedly angered the Red Bull brass, who left Austria furious at their number one driver.
Not quite the same feeling for Verstappen, though, who must have left Red Bull HQ with his battle plan for 2027 and beyond in place.
Brown continues to deny it — but that plan now looks Papaya.
The Sporting Base understands Australian Oscar Piastri would go the other way.
That would leave Max alongside Norris from 2027, while Piastri would instantly become Red Bull’s main man ahead of Isack Hadjar.
All that being said, PlanetF1.com has been reporting that “sources close to Piastri insist there is no reason for concern on his side, given the existence of a contract and the comments from Brown last week.”
“For me, it doesn’t mean much. Obviously Max is the talent he is, and looking around. I’m very happy with where I am,” Piastri said.
“I’ve been told multiple times that the team are happy with me and I trust them. So, for me, it doesn’t really mean much. A contract is in place as well. I’m just trying to build on the success I’ve had.”
Also from McLaren’s side, Brown’s refusals have been loud and proud. “I haven’t thought about that because I’ve got two drivers,” Brown said.
“So, what I couldn’t offer him was a seat in my race car. But I think McLaren’s an awesome team. So is Red Bull, and so is Alpine, and so is Ferrari. The Formula 1 teams are amazing,” he added at the time.
“I think we’ve got a unique environment, but as do all race teams. But we’ve got a great race team that’s had a lot of success, and I think it’s a good place to work, whether you’re a racing driver or a team principal or a mechanic, or whatever you may be at Team McLaren.”
Mercedes is also somewhere in the mix, according to reports, though that team wants to stick with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
F1 racing returns on Saturday, July 19 with the Belgian Grand Prix.
Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.
