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McLaren CEO Leaves Door 'Wide Open' for Max Verstappen to Join in 2028
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News18•25-09-2026, 13:43
McLaren CEO Leaves Door 'Wide Open' for Max Verstappen to Join in 2028
- •McLaren CEO Zak Brown confirmed he held conversations with Max Verstappen last summer, leaving the door open for a future move despite Verstappen's Red Bull contract until 2030.
- •Brown described Verstappen as "charming" after their talks, a word he wouldn't have used before, and expressed a desire to "go racing with this guy."
- •Brown compared Verstappen's focus and technical understanding, particularly his involvement in GT3 racing, to Fernando Alonso's meticulous approach.
- •The McLaren boss recalled Alonso's intense preparation for the Indy 500, including watching 200 laps of onboard footage, as an example of the dedication he values.
- •While Lando Norris is contracted until 2030, Oscar Piastri's contract ends in 2028, making Brown's comments about Verstappen's potential future at McLaren particularly interesting.
Key Questions Answered
McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated that the door is "wide open" for four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen to potentially join the team for 2028, 2029, or beyond, despite Verstappen's contract with Red Bull Racing running until 2030.
Zak Brown compared Max Verstappen to Fernando Alonso, highlighting shared qualities such as intense focus, technical proficiency, and deep involvement in racing outside of standard Formula 1 commitments like GT3 programs.
Oscar Piastri's current contract with the McLaren Formula 1 team is set to end at the conclusion of the 2028 season.
