P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The McLaren CEO believed Max Verstappen was set to depart Red Bull for Mercedes in 2026.
Zak Brown suspected that Max Verstappen might leave Red Bull and join Mercedes for 2026 due to contract discussions in the summer regarding a potential break clause.
However, the clause was not triggered as Verstappen finished third in the drivers’ championship, meaning he will stay at Red Bull for 2026 with a contract extension until 2028.
Brown acknowledged the threat Verstappen poses to his McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, in the championship, highlighting Verstappen’s exceptional performance this season.
Despite initial concerns, Brown now recognizes the strength of Verstappen’s partnership with Red Bull and their competitive edge in the title race, under the new leadership of team boss Laurent Mekies.
The recent stability within Red Bull following organizational changes poses a significant challenge for McLaren as they compete for top positions in the championship.
