Members of Max Verstappen's camp are wary of working with McLaren's Zak Brown following unflattering comments made in an interview. Reports indicate McLaren is interested in Verstappen, especially with Gianpiero Lambiase set to join in 2028.
Key points
Max Verstappen's camp is hesitant about Zak Brown.
McLaren is interested in Verstappen for future seasons.
Gianpiero Lambiase is set to join McLaren in 2028.
Mentioned in this story
Max VerstappenZak BrownMcLarenLando NorrisOscar PiastriGianpiero Lambiase
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
McLaren are reportedly interested in Max Verstappen, but some members of the Dutchmanâs inner circle arenât keen to work with Zak Brown.
Reports surfaced last week that Brown is targeting Verstappen, and the planned arrival of Gianpiero Lambiase in 2028 has only added momentum. Unless an early release is agreed upon, Lambiase will join McLaren at the end of his current deal.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are tied to McLaren until at least 2027, but there could be room for a move after that. Brown remains confident he already has the strongest driver pairing in F1 but understands why bringing in someone of Verstappenâs calibre would be hard to ignore.
McLaren are after Verstappen, but not everyone in his camp is on board
According to Daniel Moxon, writing in his Pit Lane Chronicle newsletter, McLarenâs hiring of Lambiase âopens the doorâ for what would be an audacious move for Verstappen. They may now be the frontrunners ahead of Mercedes and Ferrari if he decides to leave Red Bull but remain in F1.
However, there are those within Verstappenâs circle who âdonât like the ideaâ of working with Brown following some past comments. Last year, Brown described Verstappen as a âbruiserâ who is overly aggressive on track and also called him arrogant.
Brown was quick to reach out when those quotes began circulating, worried they were being taken out of context.
Verstappenâs father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen are his closest advisors, though itâs unclear who is pushing back against a potential move to McLaren despite the strong pull of reuniting with Lambiase.
Zak Brown has drawn parallels between Verstappen and Senna
Brown has previously clarified that his comments were meant to be a compliment, not a slight. Heâs often referred to in similar terms, who happens to be his favourite driver of all time.
Q&A
What did Zak Brown say about Max Verstappen?
Zak Brown made unflattering remarks about Max Verstappen in an interview, which have caused concern among Verstappen's inner circle.
Why is McLaren interested in Max Verstappen?
McLaren is reportedly targeting Max Verstappen to strengthen their driver lineup, especially with Gianpiero Lambiase joining in 2028.
What is the current contract status of McLaren's drivers?
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are contracted with McLaren until at least 2027, but there may be opportunities for changes after that.
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The comparison between Verstappen and Senna felt especially fitting for Brown after Verstappenâs remarkable drive from 17th to first at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Despite some of the tension between McLaren and Red Bull in recent years, Brown and Verstappen have always spoken respectfully of each other. Even before Red Bull started backing Lando Norris, Brown had made it clear how much he respected Verstappen.
If there are any doubts within Verstappenâs team about a move to McLaren, it might help to take another look at what Brown has said about him over the years. The respect is clearly mutual, even if there have been occasional disagreements.