Zak Brown Anticipates Max Verstappen’s Exit from Red Bull Towards Mercedes

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has fueled speculation about the future of four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, suggesting that he might leave Red Bull at the end of this year and potentially join Mercedes. The rumors gained traction following Red Bull’s struggles with the RB20 and Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin.

The Impact of Adrian Newey’s Departure on the Speculation

During an interview with The Telegraph, Brown expressed his belief that Verstappen will part ways with Milton Keynes at year-end. He elaborated, “Oh I think he’ll leave at the end of this year,” Brown says. “Most likely to Merc [Mercedes]. There’s been talk of Aston Martin, too, with Adrian Newey joining. But as great as Adrian is – and he’s the greatest ever – you need a whole team around you. You need the culture. That takes time.”

Brown further highlighted Mercedes‘ strengths, stating, “If I was betting, I’d bet on Merc. In the last 10 years, they’ve won the championship seven or eight times. Last year they won five races. They have stability. We know Toto likes him. And I think we all feel HPP [ High Performance Powertrains] is best-equipped on the power unit side heading into the new engine regulations next year.”

He also mentioned George Russell’s contract expiration at the end of this season and Mercedes‘ signing of 18-year-old rookie driver Kimi Antonelli as additional factors supporting his prediction.

Christian Horner Dismisses Rumors of Verstappen’s Departure

Despite the mounting speculation, Red Bull team chief Christian Horner has consistently dismissed the rumors about Verstappen’s potential exit. In response to questions about Verstappen’s future after Newey’s announcement, Horner asserted, “You report those rumblings every week but he’s still here. Look, Max is very happy in the team, he’s got a wonderful group of engineers around him, he’s got a great car, he’s driving in the form of his life.”

Horner emphasized that Verstappen’s contentment within the team and the dynamic surrounding him are key factors, stating, “It’s not about contracts, it’s about being content, and I think that’s the same for any driver. He has that, he has that dynamic around him, and I think what you’re seeing with him is a driver that’s revelling in that environment.”

Horner also clarified that Verstappen’s contract remains confidential and there are no clauses linking Newey to Max. He assured that the structure will not change with Newey stepping back.