Zak Brown delivers final verdict on whether Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of 2025

18:34, 04 Jul

Updated: 18:36, 04 Jul

byTobia Elia

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has also weighed in on the swirling rumours surrounding Max Verstappen, admitting he's been closely following the situation as an interested observer — even though he has no intention of changing the team’s current driver line-up.

On a day when he failed to make headlines on track in either the first or second practice session, Max Verstappen’s name still dominated the front pages.

Rumours in recent days have reignited talk of a potential deal with Mercedes, although the Dutchman — as repeatedly reported by GPBlog — is said to prefer staying at Red Bull next year.

One person who’s definitely enjoying watching the market rumours unfold, confident in the strong contractual positions of his two drivers, is Zak Brown.

Zak Brown weighs in on Verstappen' situation

Caught by Viaplay specifically about the Dutchman’s future and his current driver line-up, McLaren’s CEO commented: ''Personally, we're not worried about our two drivers. They love racing for McLaren, and we love them racing for McLaren. So we're just an interested spectator.''

''Max in a Mercedes definitely is nerve-wracking, because they're a team on the rise. So you kind of have Max for stopping in a Mercedes. That's a nail-biter.''

He also added: ''I think it'd be a disaster for Red Bull if he were to leave there, because he's clearly carrying the team.''

''I do believe where there's smoke there's fire. You asked me who my drivers are next year I can categorically tell you who they are and there seems to be a lot of waffling around about. He has a contract but maybe maybe not so, all I could do is watch.''

When asked if Verstappen will leave Red Bull, Brown delivered his verdict: ''I think if he was definitively in the Red Bull car in '26 that's what he'd be saying when he's asked the question.''