Brown welcomes future Verstappen partnership but backs McLaren line-up

McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown has said he would welcome a future partnership with Max Verstappen, without announcing a transfer plan or a change to his current driver pairing. RacingNews365 English reported his comments on 25 September 2026, citing De Telegraaf. [1]

Brown mentioned 2028 and 2029 as possible years but made clear that his interest was not confined to either. According to RacingNews365’s account, he spoke with Verstappen several times during what he described as last summer. Brown said the conversations were exploratory, aimed at getting to know him better. [1]

That interest came with an important qualification: Brown also said he was happy with his current line-up of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. His willingness to work with Verstappen should therefore not be read as an announcement that either McLaren driver will be replaced. [1]

There is also a contractual question. RacingNews365 reports that Verstappen signed a Red Bull extension in August, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, running through to the end of 2030. The report does not explain how a move in 2028 or 2029 could fit with that reported commitment, or establish any provisions allowing an earlier departure. [1]