McLaren take aim at Red Bull with brutal Max Verstappen point

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has highlighted how Red Bull would be behind its second team, Racing Bulls, without Max Verstappen in the RB21.

To that end, the American claimed the four-time F1 drivers' champion is "carrying" the Milton Keynes squad at the moment.

Whilst the Dutchman has, for the most part, continued to operate at his best this F1 season, he has considerably outperformed his car.

Meanwhile, his team-mates have failed to reach the level expected or required of them.

After two dismal, pointless rounds, Liam Lawson was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who has thus far not been a much better return on investment for the six-time constructors' champions.

Verstappen has scored 155 points this year, but in the nine rounds since stepping into the seat alongside him, the Japanese driver has managed just seven.

Currently fourth in the constructors' standings, without the input of its lead driver, Red Bull would be rooted to the foot of the table.

Meanwhile, the combination of Isack Hadjar and Lawson - not to mention three points courtesy of Tsunoda - has led Racing Bulls to sixth at this stage of the campaign, with 36 points.

"Red Bull would be behind Racing Bulls [without Verstappen]," Brown said to Sky Sports News at McLaren Racing Live in London.

"They have done a great job and have a great racing car. I think Max is carrying them at the moment."

Not since 2008 has Red Bull's sister team beaten the main squad in the constructors' standings. That was the same year Sebastian Vettel won his maiden grand prix for Toro Rosso.

The Faenza-based operation finished the campaign with 39 points to Red Bull's 29, and in sixth place to the latter's seventh.

No smoke without fire

The challenging circumstances at Red Bull could push Verstappen towards the exit, despite him being contracted to the team until the end of the 2028 season.

Brown also zeroed in on the precarious nature of the situation between Verstappen and Red Bull, arguing that the current rumours surrounding the driver and his ties to Mercedes would not be gaining any traction if there was not some truth behind it.

Since George Russell confirmed at the Austrian Grand Prix that the Brackley team was in discussions with the 27-year-old, it has been the talk of the town in F1.

In the run-up to the British Grand Prix, speculation has progressed to suggesting the talks have intensified between the two parties.

"I'm a believer of when there's smoke, there's fire. If everyone was committed to their seats, that's what they would be saying," Brown said.

"The fact everyone's talking and no one is confirming anything tells me there are conversations going on. I said a while ago I wouldn't be surprised to see Max in a Mercedes."