In a shocking revelation, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, disclosed that he reached out to Max Verstappen’s manager earlier this year to gather insights during driver market evaluations. While speculation arose about the call being related to Verstappen’s contract, Brown clarified that it was part of his duty while negotiating a long-term extension with Oscar Piastri. Understanding the broader driver market was deemed crucial to foresee any changes that could impact his team’s lineup.
Recalling the pivotal phone call, Brown emphasized, “It’s my responsibility to explore the market and stay informed. At that time, I was also in talks with Oscar Piastri. I needed to assess if a move elsewhere could trigger a domino effect, possibly sparking interest in my driver. That’s why I contacted [Verstappen], and let’s say, during the call, I got precisely the information I needed.”
Brown highlighted that the call provided him with “exactly the information” he required. Moreover, he expressed his preference for Verstappen to continue with Red Bull rather than joining Mercedes, citing Mercedes’ confidence in their future engine performance ahead of the 2026 regulations changes.
“Looking at Mercedes’ track record and body language regarding engines, they seem very assured. If asked to analyze the current situation, I would rather see Max driving for Red Bull than Mercedes,” Brown stated confidently.
The Formula 1 community is abuzz with speculations following Brown’s insights into the strategic behind-the-scenes maneuvers in the intense world of racing. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how these revelations might impact the future landscape of the sport.
