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Max to McLaren? Everything we know about F1's most explosive rumour

By Kavi Khandelwal

Formula One's silliest of silly seasons just got a whole lot sillier. Reports emerged this week that Max Verstappen has held secret talks with McLaren — and if they go anywhere, one of his current Woking rivals could be heading in the opposite direction.

Why would Max leave Red Bull?

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but sources have confirmed that a performance-related clause exists that could allow him to make an early exit at the end of this year. Should the four-time world champion be outside the top two in the drivers' standings at the summer break, that clause becomes active. Right now, that scenario is very much in play. The team sits fourth in the constructors' championship, trailing leaders Mercedes by 173 points after seven weekends, while Verstappen has stood on the podium just once — a third place finish in Canada. The competitive slide is one part of the story. The personnel exodus is another. Rob Marshall left Red Bull to design McLaren's title-winning MCL38 and MCL39, and Will Courtenay followed as Sporting Director. Most significantly, Verstappen's long-time race engineer and confidant Gianpiero Lambiase was confirmed to be joining McLaren no later than 2028 as Chief Racing Officer — with widespread speculation he will eventually become Team Principal. A move to Woking would mean a reunion with the man who has been in his ear through all four world championships.

The Reported Talks

Reports this week claimed hush-hush talks are ongoing, with one source confirming it is "an idea McLaren are keen on" — potentially as early as 2027, or in 2028 at the latest. The vision: Verstappen alongside reigning champion Lando Norris, two world champions under one roof. McLaren have categorically denied it. Zak Brown went on record last April saying he had no intention of replacing either of his "two superstars." One caveat worth noting: McLaren runs Mercedes power, not a works unit. Analyst Marc Surer believes that remains the biggest obstacle, arguing factory teams simply make more sense — especially with new regulations incoming — and pointing to Mercedes as the more logical destination for Verstappen.

So who gets pushed out?

The reported scenario involves Piastri moving in the opposite direction, heading to Red Bull to fill the seat Verstappen vacates — potentially as early as 2027. Piastri holds a deal through 2028, but contracts rarely tell the whole story. He is understood to have a release clause allowing him to exit early if he sits outside the top five by the summer break. He currently sits fifth, with Norris breathing down his neck. There have also been claims he can walk away if he believes McLaren are favouring his teammate — a narrative that gained traction amid accusations during the 2025 title fight. When asked about Red Bull's interest in Canada, Piastri said: "There's obviously not been any discussions or anything, but it's flattering, yes." Flattering. Measured. And notably, not a no. Everything hinges on the summer break. Red Bull's upgraded car arrives at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, and Laurent Mekies is betting it changes the conversation. "If the car is back where we want it to be, there will be no discussion," the Red Bull boss said. He may be right. But if Verstappen enters August outside the top two, Formula One's transfer market is about to detonate.