In a surprising development within the Formula 1 community, rumors have emerged suggesting that reigning world champion Max Verstappen could be considering a move to McLaren for the 2026 season. This speculation has been fueled by recent comments from McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who hinted at significant driver market movements ahead of the new engine regulations set to take effect in 2026.
Verstappen, currently contracted with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028, has performance-related clauses in his contract that could allow an early exit if certain conditions are not met. The Dutch driver’s future has been the subject of intense discussion, especially with the impending departure of Red Bull’s chief technical officer, Adrian Newey, and the team’s transition to a new power unit partnership with Ford starting in 2026 .
While Brown’s comments have primarily linked Verstappen to a potential move to Mercedes, the possibility of a switch to McLaren cannot be dismissed. McLaren has shown significant progress in recent seasons, and a move to the team could present Verstappen with a new challenge and the opportunity to further cement his legacy in the sport.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Formula 1 community will be closely monitoring Verstappen’s performance and any developments regarding his future. The potential for a major shift in the driver lineup adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming seasons.
