Max Verstappen’s representatives reportedly held talks with McLaren ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, adding more fuel to the notion he is looking for a new home.
According to Sky Sports, discussions were initiated by the Dutchman’s camp despite the four-time champion being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.
Verstappen’s team has reportedly met with McLaren. NurPhoto via Getty Images
But according to reports, performance-related clauses in his contract could allow him to exit the deal.
While such conversations do occur during the sport’s driver market, the report has raised questions because McLaren was not viewed as a realistic option.
Additionally, talk of a potential swap deal between Verstappen and Oscar Piastri has been hovering for weeks.
Verstappen’s long-serving race engineer at Red Bull, Gianpiero Lambiase, is also set to leave the team for McLaren.
Their partnership has been instrumental in Verstappen’s championship success, and that is not lost on the former champion.
McLaren currently has Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri under contract, with both drivers playing a key role in the team’s recent success.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the race in Austria, McLaren boss Zak Brown indicated Verstappen was unlikely to join the F1 champions unless one of his current drivers “slipped on a banana peel”.
The American was asked about possible interest in the Red Bull driver, for 2027 or later, now that Mercedes have a rising star in championship leader Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell.
“I’d be very surprised if Lando (Norris) or Oscar (Piastri) went elsewhere because they’re very happy,” Brown said of his current line-up.
“You know, of course we’ve got contracts but contracts aside, we’re very happy with them (the two drivers), they’re very happy here.
“If for some strange reason, someone slipped on a banana peel getting out of the tub, then yeah, of course, Max is a four-time world champion.”
The American did not offer any clarification.
Piastri finished fourth in Austria with world champion Norris seventh. Verstappen was second, his best result of the year so far.
McLaren are third overall, 44 points ahead of Red Bull but also as yet without a winning car.