Verstappen can only join McLaren under this extreme scenario, says team boss Stella

Stella, who follows his usual ritual of “puzzling” together phones and recording devices so everything is nicely balanced, mainly discussed the technical side of things after qualifying in Belgium. Still, he could count on a question about Verstappen as well.

The team principal was asked whether he could confirm that no talks are taking place between McLaren and Verstappen over a possible move from Red Bull Racing.

Instead of answering with a “yes” or “no,” the Italian admitted that it’s an attractive idea to sign a driver like Verstappen. However, something would have to happen that's entirely beyond the McLaren team principal’s control.

“We are talking about four-time world champion, it would be always a fascinating opportunity,” Stella said to GPblog, among others.

“But we need to introduce the third card. So you don't have to talk to me. We have to take a higher political level. And when we will be in condition to do so, then we will consider this option.”

Stella made it clear in a light-hearted way with that remark that McLaren simply has no place for Verstappen. Both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have long-term contracts, and in recent weeks, the British team has repeatedly emphasized that it fully backs both drivers.

Stella’s words align with earlier statements from McLaren CEO Zak Brown. The American previously said that he currently sees no possibility whatsoever of bringing Verstappen to his team. When asked as a follow-up whether that is a definitive no, Brown simply answered: “Correct.”

Piastri himself, who according to the rumors would have to make way for the Dutchman, also shut the door on Verstappen on Thursday. The Australian confirmed that he will be driving for McLaren in 2027 and made it clear that the stories about a possible swap were just rumors.

That doesn’t mean there has never been contact between the two camps. GPblog previously reported that discussions have indeed taken place recently between McLaren and Verstappen’s team. Brown is said to have indicated that a collaboration could be interesting, though not as early as the 2027 season.

The same message has also been echoed by Verstappen's camp in recent days. Raymond Vermeulen, the driver's manager, stated that Verstappen still intends to fulfill his contract with Red Bull through 2028, something the Dutchman himself has also stated multiple times. He also stressed that the existence of an exit clause does not mean it will automatically be exercised.

The fact that Jos Verstappen and Vermeulen were spotted at McLaren’s hospitality in Spa likewise had nothing to do with Max’s future. GPblog was able to confirm, however, that the visit was solely for a meeting with McLaren junior Dries Van Langendonck, who recently joined Verstappen Racing as well. The four-time world champion's future was not discussed on Friday.

At this point, almost everything points in the same direction. Although McLaren naturally sees Verstappen as an exceptional driver, there is, at least in the short term, no place for the Dutchman.

Stella also made it clear on Saturday that something fundamental would need to change for that to happen: McLaren would literally need a third Formula 1 car, a scenario that will, of course, never become reality.