Max Verstappen to Mercedes? McLaren CEO Zak Brown’s Shocking Claim Could Change F1 Forever

The world of Formula 1 is no stranger to shocking twists, but few statements have sent shockwaves through the paddock quite like Zak Brown’s latest bombshell. The McLaren CEO—a man who is rarely wrong about the politics of F1—has openly suggested that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull and join Mercedes by the end of the year.

The idea seems unthinkable. Verstappen, the undisputed king of Red Bull, has dominated the sport for years, winning three consecutive world championships and obliterating the competition. Yet, whispers of tension inside Red Bull, combined with Mercedes’ desperate hunt for a new leader, have fueled speculation that a seismic shift is coming.

Is Zak Brown simply stirring the pot, or does he know something the rest of us don’t? More importantly—could Max Verstappen really abandon Red Bull, the team that built him into a legend, and switch to their fiercest rival?

Buckle up. The biggest transfer rumor in modern F1 history might just become a reality.

Cracks at Red Bull: Is Verstappen Planning His Escape?

For the last few years, Red Bull Racing has been an unstoppable force, led by Max Verstappen and fueled by Adrian Newey’s brilliant engineering. But recently, rumors of internal chaos have started to surface, and Brown’s claim has only intensified them.

Power Struggles and Infighting

At first glance, Verstappen and Red Bull seem inseparable. The Dutch driver has repeatedly stated his loyalty to the team, and with his contract running until 2028, leaving would be a complicated (and expensive) move.

But Formula 1 is never that simple. Behind the scenes, a storm is brewing:

• Tensions between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko – Reports suggest that Red Bull’s senior leadership is at war. Horner, the team principal, has faced controversies that have divided the camp, and Marko—Verstappen’s long-time mentor—is rumored to be falling out of favor.
• Adrian Newey’s uncertain future – The legendary designer behind Red Bull’s dominant cars is reportedly being courted by rival teams, including Ferrari. Without Newey, would Red Bull remain the unstoppable force it is today?
• Honda’s exit and Red Bull Powertrains uncertainty – Red Bull’s future engine program is still a huge question mark, with Honda set to leave in 2026. If Verstappen doesn’t trust the team’s ability to provide a championship-winning car beyond 2025, would he jump ship before it’s too late?

These fractures within Red Bull could be enough to make even the most loyal driver reconsider his future. And if Mercedes comes calling with an irresistible offer, would Verstappen really say no?

Mercedes’ Desperate Search for a New Leader

For over a decade, Mercedes was the most dominant force in F1, with Lewis Hamilton leading the charge. But since the regulation changes in 2022, the Silver Arrows have struggled. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 leaves a gaping hole in their lineup—one that only a driver of Verstappen’s caliber can fill.

Toto Wolff’s Master Plan

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is known for playing the long game. Losing Hamilton was a major blow, but Wolff isn’t one to dwell on setbacks—he’s already thinking two steps ahead.

With George Russell already in place, Mercedes needs another superstar to lead the team back to championship glory. Enter Max Verstappen, the only driver capable of delivering instant results.

Zak Brown’s claim suggests that Wolff has been working behind the scenes, trying to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull with the promise of:

• A massive contract that could surpass Hamilton’s Ferrari deal
• Full team support as the undisputed #1 driver
• A long-term vision built around him for F1’s next engine era

With Red Bull’s internal issues growing and Mercedes throwing everything they have at securing Verstappen, could we really see the unthinkable—Max Verstappen in a Mercedes?

Would Verstappen Really Walk Away?

On paper, it seems impossible. Verstappen has spent his entire F1 career with Red Bull. They gave him his first chance, built cars that turned him into a champion, and let him break records with zero team interference.

But Formula 1 is about more than just loyalty. It’s about winning—and Verstappen has always been clear that if a team can’t provide him with the best car, he will leave.

The Key Questions That Could Decide His Future

1. Can Red Bull maintain their dominance?

   • If the internal drama worsens and Red Bull starts slipping, Verstappen might see Mercedes as a safer long-term bet.

2. Will Mercedes give Verstappen complete control?

   • Verstappen thrives in an environment where he is the undisputed team leader. If Toto Wolff guarantees that he won’t have to fight Russell for priority, the deal becomes much more tempting.

3. Does Verstappen want a new challenge?

   • He has already dominated with Red Bull. If he wins a fourth straight title in 2024, could he feel that he has nothing left to prove with the team?

What Would an Exit Look Like?

If Verstappen truly wants to leave Red Bull, the biggest hurdle is his contract.

• Red Bull could demand a massive buyout fee, which Mercedes would have to pay.
• Verstappen could leverage an exit clause, assuming one exists in his deal.
• Red Bull could try to convince him to stay by offering even more money and power within the team.

The battle wouldn’t just be fought on the racetrack—it would be a legal and political war behind the scenes.

Will Max Verstappen Join Mercedes?

Zak Brown’s claim has set the F1 world on fire. But is it just speculation, or is there real movement behind the scenes?

Right now, everything hinges on three factors:

• How bad the Red Bull internal situation gets
• How aggressive Mercedes is in their pursuit of Verstappen
• Whether Verstappen is truly ready for a new challenge

If Red Bull remains dominant, Verstappen is likely to stay put. But if internal chaos worsens, and Mercedes makes a record-breaking offer, the unthinkable could happen.

The thought of Verstappen in Silver may seem surreal now, but F1 has taught us one thing—never say never.

Could we really see Max Verstappen leading Mercedes in 2025? The world is watching, and the answer might come sooner than anyone expects.

What do you think? Is Verstappen destined to stay with Red Bull, or is Mercedes his next home? Let the debate begin.