How seriously should we take Verstappen-to-McLaren talk?

There are a number of times when what Max Verstappen says makes headlines, as he is generally one of the most outspoken drivers on the grid.

Think back to when the new cars were first running at the start of the year, and you certainly had not doubts where his opinion stood when it came to the 2026 regulations. But there are other times when it’s what Verstappen doesn’t say that’s as much of a story, and this past week has become one such occasion.

Speculation linking Verstappen with a move to McLaren has gathered some pace since the Austrian Grand Prix, following contact between the two camps. How deep those conversations have gone are never going to be public knowledge, but sources at McLaren in the past have admitted just asking the question to understand the driver market landscape, in the same way that all teams check in on potential options to gauge their thinking.

Given the last race weekend in Austria had seen Verstappen’s future becoming a focal point once again, the timing was hardly inconvenient. Red Bull executives were present for their home race, and will be fully aware of what is being spoken about in the media. And despite a very strong second place at the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen did not move to dismiss the rumors.

“I'm not going to involve myself in that,” he said. “I've said what I wanted to say already before. If there's something new or something that changes, you will hear it from me, not from someone else writing it.

“I'm just focused on the job that I have with my team. We are on the way up, so it's really nice to see. I had a really positive weekend in Austria and I’m just trying to improve from there, further. I know it's going to be quite tough; there's a lot of competition but we're here just to try to go faster.”

Whether or not Verstappen really sees a McLaren seat as a preferable place to be, it's good to have leverage. Andy Hone/Getty Images

There are areas where a move to McLaren could be seen as attractive - particularly the hypercar project that would open up more endurance racing opportunities at the highest level – but in terms of pure Formula 1 performance he’s currently in a car that has him just seven points behind the lead McLaren.

Of course, Formula 1 performance is not the only thing that Verstappen is concerned with, as he also emphasizes the need to enjoy what he’s doing. His current contract runs until the end of 2028 – although there are exit clauses based on Red Bull’s performance that looked certain to be triggered – but he has also previously stated his desire to stay with the team for his entire career.

Such an outlook can change, and while Verstappen may be questioning whether Red Bull is still heading in the right overall direction for the future given the number of key personnel that have left, he also receives a lot of freedom from the team to pursue other interests. His recent Nurburgring GT appearance was a prime example of that, and even if McLaren boss Zak Brown is likely to hold a similar view to allowing his drivers to race as often as they wish, it shows that Red Bull has so far been flexible to try and create the best environment for Verstappen.

By not rejecting the possibility he could leave, he retains the ability to use his situation as a negotiating tactic for anything else he might be keen on. That could extend from his own activities to the team’s future structure, as he is able to make use of the fact that he could activate his exit clauses, should he wish.

Whether intentionally or not, Verstappen’s hand was further strengthened by comments made by Lando Norris on Thursday, as he said he’d welcome Verstappen into McLaren should he replace Oscar Piastri.

“To be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren,” Norris said. “I don’t know why you just highlight Max. There are quite a few others that I know that want to come as well. I mean, it’s a cool thing. It’s a good thing that a four-time world champion wants to come on board and wants to potentially join the team. I don’t know how much of it’s true, but it’s a cool thing.

“And if there’s an opportunity for me to drive with other people, it’s something I’ve always looked forward to. But it’s not a thing for now. It’s not a serious thing. And I’m also just excited for my future with McLaren.

“I’m still going to be here for many, many more years, so excited for whoever I get partnered with. But for the time being, me and Oscar are working very well together and we’re excited to work together for more years too. So that’s our focus for now.”

Norris added further strength to the links simply by addressing them, making it an even bigger talking point. And that allows Verstappen’s camp to reinforce to Red Bull – and any other potential suitors – that there could be options elsewhere to explore.

There’s also a bit of value for McLaren, beyond the kudos of being linked with a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. His stature means it doesn’t feel inconceivable one driver could be moved on in order to accommodate him, so it serves as a form of subtle nudge to both Norris and Piastri to not get too comfortable and keep producing their best form, even if the car hasn’t been as competitive as last year.

A move isn’t an impossibility, but the smart money is on Verstappen remaining with a Red Bull team that looks capable of still winning races this year, which in itself is a remarkable achievement having set up its own power unit facility. Should that prove the end target, then by letting the speculation roll on, the four-time world champion is giving himself greater ability for that to be even more on his terms.