'Verstappen in secret talks with McLaren about a swap with Piastri'

Max Verstappen and McLaren are said to have held initial talks, with the British team aiming to form a dream pairing of the Dutchman and Lando Norris. Reportedly, in this scenario Oscar Piastri, Norris’s current teammate, would trade places with the Dutchman if the confidential negotiations yield a successful outcome, possibly as early as next year, according to the Daily Mail.

Verstappen can leave Red Bull if he is not in the top two during the summer break. For other teams, it is therefore much easier to sign him, provided a hefty salary is paid. McLaren would not see that as a problem. "It’s an idea McLaren is keen to pursue," a source told the newspaper. "If it happens, it could be in 2028, but it might even be earlier."

For some time now, GPblog has reported that McLaren is a serious option for Verstappen if he leaves Red Bull. The site even heard it would be the Dutchman’s first choice. In any case, moving to Ferrari will be difficult, as it already has two drivers under contract: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. GPblog reported this Thursday that George Russell will definitely stay at Mercedes, so there is no space there either. That leaves McLaren, although Zak Brown generally dismisses the Verstappen option.

This website asked McLaren for a response to the rumor from England. The British team categorically denies that talks are taking place. McLaren has often stated it is very satisfied with its current drivers, Piastri and Norris. At the same time, the paddock has been whispering for quite some time that Piastri is keeping his options open and would like to be the undisputed number one at a team. McLaren, however, says that is not the case and that the relationship with the Australian is excellent.