McLaren is reportedly holding preliminary discussions with Max Verstappen regarding a potential move to partner Lando Norris. These talks could see the Red Bull driver join McLaren as early as 2027, or potentially in 2028, according to sources.
Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has been a subject of speculation, despite his contract extending until the end of the 2028 season. Reports suggest that his current deal includes release clauses that could allow him to depart earlier if he chooses to activate them.
The possibility of Verstappen joining McLaren has gained traction following the departure of his long-serving race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, from Red Bull in April. Lambiase is currently on gardening leave and is expected to join McLaren by 2028 at the latest, coinciding with the end of his Red Bull contract. Dr Helmut Marko, another key ally for Verstappen, also left Red Bull last year.
Verstappen’s current season and contract clauses
Red Bull’s performance has seen a dip in 2026, a factor that may be influencing Verstappen’s considerations. Heading into the Austrian Grand Prix, he is positioned seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing current leader Kimi Antonelli by 101 points.
Beyond team performance, Verstappen has also expressed dissatisfaction with the sport’s shift to half-electric engines, likening the experience to a “Mario Kart” game. He has previously hinted at the idea of leaving Formula 1 entirely due to these concerns.
Interestingly, Carlos Sainz has suggested that Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull includes unique clauses that limit his marketing and media obligations. Sainz indicated that Verstappen is the only driver who can afford such contractual terms, allowing him more free time compared to other competitors.
The contract is also believed to contain a break clause that could enable Verstappen to leave for 2027 if he is not within the top two positions in the Drivers’ Championship by the summer break.
Potential impact on the grid
A move by Verstappen to McLaren would create a formidable pairing with Lando Norris, potentially reshaping the Formula 1 grid. This scenario could also involve Oscar Piastri moving to Red Bull as part of any agreement.
While Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes in the past, George Russell has affirmed his intention to remain with Mercedes for 2027. Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Russell stated, “I’ll be racing here next year. I don’t want to go into any more detail, but I will be at Mercedes in 2027 and that’s the fact of it.” This statement suggests that McLaren might be a more realistic destination for Verstappen if he decides to leave Red Bull.
McLaren reportedly views the prospect of signing Verstappen with enthusiasm, despite his estimated annual salary at Red Bull being around £80 million. The discussions are still in their preliminary stages, with nothing yet agreed upon.
The balance of power in Formula 1 could shift significantly if these preliminary talks lead to Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull, a team he has been loyal to throughout his career.
The 2026 campaign has been challenging for Verstappen at times, as he currently sits seventh in the standings.
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Source: express.co.uk
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”