Inside Max Verstappen’s McLaren Talks: What’s Really Happening Now

Max Verstappen’s management held preliminary talks with McLaren CEO Zak Brown during the Austrian Grand Prix, as he assesses options with key decision windows approaching in his Red Bull contract.

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028. A clause permits exit if he sits outside the top two by August 2026, with formal notice potentially following in October.

Elsewhere, top seats look settled for 2027. Ferrari extended Charles Leclerc well into the 2030s, while Lewis Hamilton’s agreement covers 2027 and could run to 2028.

McLaren has Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri signed for 2027, and Mercedes retains George Russell. Mercedes unveiled its 2026 pairing without contract lengths, prompting speculation about flexibility.

Both Mercedes and Russell deny short deals tailored to Verstappen. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is expected on a long‑term contract from 2026, narrowing realistic 2027 openings.

That context frames the McLaren meeting as positioning for 2028 and leverage on Red Bull, rather than an attempt to displace Piastri for 2027.

Verstappen repeatedly states he wants to stay at Red Bull, provided the team remains title‑capable. That message underpins ongoing discussions with Red Bull.

On‑track form has improved since Miami’s upgrade. His early‑season qualifying average of 7.4 has given way to regular top‑six starts, including two front rows.

Power‑unit launch performance remains inconsistent. In Austria, he chased pole before a Q3 rear‑wing issue caused a crash, mirroring rear‑wing concerns at McLaren that weekend.

Despite starting fifth, he passed Hamilton’s Ferrari and finished a close third. Verstappen later reported a rear‑axle problem that blunted late‑race pace.

The latest Red Bull upgrade proved pivotal. After a difficult Friday, Sebastien Buemi’s simulator work helped refine setup overnight and stabilise balance.

Red Bull is believed to have trimmed the RB22 close to minimum weight, worth around two tenths per lap. The question now is sustaining that gain across varied circuits.

Ferrari’s fluctuating form this season underlines how rapidly competitiveness swings. Red Bull still needs consistent performance to meet Verstappen’s championship threshold.

With few credible 2027 alternatives, Verstappen’s camp can use the clause this summer to strengthen terms at Red Bull, while keeping 2028 options alive at teams like McLaren.

The next months will indicate whether Red Bull’s step is durable. If it is, the most plausible outcome remains Verstappen staying put beyond 2026.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.