Zak Brown Urges Max Verstappen to Stay at Red Bull Instead of Rumored Mercedes Switch

Zak Brown advised Max Verstappen to stay at Red Bull for the 2026 F1 rule change instead of a leap of faith at Mercedes.

Zak Brown Urges Max Verstappen to Stay at Red Bull Instead of Rumored Mercedes Switch

Zak Brown and Max Verstappen (via Planetf1)

Max Verstappen‘s future at Red Bull has remained under immense scrutiny as the team faces a massive gap in performance against its rivals. Milton Keynes is unable to recover from their tumultuous pace despite consistent efforts. Now, Verstappen has started to receive lucrative offers from rival teams as he might start to weigh his options if the situation doesn’t improve. With Mercedes being a great option for the Dutchman, McLaren’s Zak Brown has advised the former against making this switch.

Mercedes’ interest to acquire Max Verstappen continued throughout the 2024 season and even this year. However, as the German carmaker now finds stability in their drivers lineup, Toto Wolff has reportedly not given up on acquiring the Dutchman yet. With rumored offers like $1.2 billion from Aston Martin, and from Brackley, it wouldn’t be much surprising to see the 27-year-old switch teams.

Still, Zak Brown believes that the new regulations of the 2026 season are right around the corner as any team can excel in them. Mercedes was reported to be ahead of all the rivals for the development of the new regulations. Regardless, Brown noted that he would rather see Max Verstappen racing at Red Bull than the German carmaker in the coming season.

If you ask me now and if I look at the current situation, I’d rather see Max driving at Red Bull than at Mercedes.

Zak Brown told De Telegraph

Brown reckons that there is a lot of talk in the paddock about the team that will create the best challenger and power unit in the coming season. However, all these talks remained speculative as no one could pinpoint the best team. The Englishman highlighted that he had a lot of faith in Mercedes and their development for the new regulations. But then, he saw the team’s track record as an engine supplier and their body language that suggested they might still have more potential left to be unlocked in the bag. As such, Max Verstappen cannot be so certain about the Silver Arrows.

There is a lot of talk about the cars next year, but no one can be sure who is in the best position. What I can say is that I have an incredible amount of confidence in Mercedes. Then I look at their track record as a motorcycle supplier and at their body language.

Zak Brown added

Zak Brown asserts Mercedes ‘very comfortable’ 2026 rules amid Max Verstappen rumors

Red Bull will take on the massive task of creating their own power units, partnered with Ford in the 2026 season. This condition, compared to Mercedes, means that the Austrian outfit is already on the back foot for the development of the new engine. Thus, Max Verstappen might be doubting the engine aspect over this as well. Zak Brown believes that amidst the sea of teams wanting to change regulations, Brackley has remained secretive and has not revealed much.

Zak Brown and Toto Wolff (via Planetf1)
Zak Brown and Toto Wolff (via Planetf1)

Zak Brown confidently states that Mercedes is seemingly competitive for the coming season and hence does not want any last-minute changes to the rules. Brown also hinted that the teams wanting to alter the regulations were afraid of their performance being subpar. As such, everyone at the German carmaker’s team was much more relaxed and comfortable compared to the rivals, suggesting that they had made great strides in the new power units already.

Lately, there have been many parties who want the engine regulations to be adjusted. If you think you’re competitive, you don’t want to change anything. At Mercedes I see that they seem very comfortable.

Zak Brown noted

Red Bull has reportedly put their entire focus on the performances in the 2025 season as it struggles on the track. The team might lose crucial time for the development of the coming season, which might further salt their wounds of poor performance. Mercedes, on the other hand, seems to be on top of their game, not only this season but also the coming year. Hence, time will tell what Max Verstappen decides on his future at Milton Keynes.

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