McLaren boss predicts sensational Max Verstappen F1 move

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown believes Max Verstappen is most likely to join rival F1 team Mercedes if he were to leave Red Bull.

The Dutchman's future was already heavily speculated and closely linked to the Toto Wolff-led team before the announcement of his long-term race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase's, upcoming departure to Brown's Woking-based team.

That, in combination with Verstappen's dislike of the new F1 regulations and Red Bull's torrid start to the campaign, has been a destabilising factor in his future at the six-time constructors' champions.

Because of Lambiase's strong relationship with the 71-time grand prix winner, it has heightened predictions of the 28-year-old following his ally to McLaren.

But despite Brown inquiring about Verstappen's availability in the past, the American insists he is perfectly content with his current driver line-up.

"From McLaren's point of view, I couldn't be happier with Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri]," the 54-year-old told Sky Sports F1.

"We have long-term agreements with them, and I think it's the greatest driver pairing on and off the track. So we have no intention of replacing any of our two superstars."

However, that did not stop Brown from admitting Verstappen would be a coup if either of his drivers were to leave for pastures new, nor did it prevent him from throwing his prediction in the mix.

"You know, obviously, if one were to go away, then yeah, Max is a huge talent, but I'm not anticipating that," he added.

"Where might he go? If I had to bet, I'd say to Mercedes."