Speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future for the 2027 season continues, with reports linking the four-time world champion to McLaren. Multiple sources indicate that discussions have taken place between the Verstappen camp and McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, his agreement reportedly contains performance-based exit clauses. These clauses would allow him to depart earlier if he is not positioned within the top two of the Drivers’ Standings by the summer break.
As of August 2026, Verstappen is placed sixth in the championship standings, meaning the conditions for his exit clause have been met. This situation has intensified the driver market discussions for the upcoming 2027 season.
Red Bull Racing is actively working to retain Verstappen, reportedly preparing a new contract offer. This proposed deal would extend his tenure through the end of 2029 and include a salary increase. Crucially, this new agreement aims to remove the existing performance-based exit clause.
Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has publicly dismissed recent reports suggesting his son is preparing to recommit to Red Bull for 2027. He stated, ‘You know absolutely nothing,’ in response to such claims.
McLaren’s current driver lineup, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, are both secured on long-term contracts. Norris has a multi-year deal extending beyond 2025, while Piastri is contracted until 2028.
Despite this, some reports suggest McLaren included a break clause in Piastri’s contract for 2027, potentially to create an opening. However, Piastri has confirmed his intention to remain with McLaren for the 2027 season.
Former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen has advised McLaren against pursuing Verstappen, urging the team to maintain its current harmonious driver lineup. Hakkinen believes McLaren should ‘minimise’ any risk to team harmony.
Emerson Fittipaldi, another former world champion, believes a move by Verstappen would initiate a significant ‘musical chairs’ scenario in the driver market. This would impact multiple teams and drivers.
Conversely, Juan Pablo Montoya is convinced that Verstappen’s current non-committal stance is a tactic to exert pressure on Red Bull, rather than a genuine intention to leave. Verstappen himself has remained non-committal when questioned about his future.
Verstappen has stated he would announce any new developments regarding his future personally. He has consistently refused to provide updates or comment on the ongoing speculation.
Gerhard Berger has urged Verstappen to exercise patience with Red Bull. Berger noted the team’s development of a new power unit and predicted they would regain competitiveness within six to twelve months.
Red Bull’s 2026 season has seen Verstappen currently in sixth place in the championship. The team has experienced a loss of key personnel in recent years, with their current performance being observed since Christian Horner’s departure.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Team Principal, has praised Isack Hadjar, who was promoted to the senior team for the 2026 season. Hadjar is performing solidly and is currently eighth in the Drivers’ Standings.
Mercedes has also been mentioned as a potential destination for Verstappen, particularly with new F1 regulations approaching. However, Mercedes appears committed to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the near future.
