Formula 1 is living through uncertain times. After an emotional season start, with the Australian Grand Prix standing out for Lando Norris's victory and the podium battle with Max Verstappen, the statements from McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, have raised alarms about Verstappen’s future. In an interview, Brown made a prediction that could change the course of motorsport: “I think Max will leave Red Bull at the end of this year.”

McLaren’s executive was confident that Verstappen would change teams, with speculation mainly pointing to Mercedes. “If I had to bet, I’d bet on Mercedes. They have stability and a solid team, which could be the perfect place for Max,” Brown stated. He also highlighted the work of Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ director, and his relationship with Verstappen: “We know Toto likes him, and we believe Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP) is the best-equipped team in terms of engines for the upcoming regulations,” he added

Where will Verstappen go?

While Mercedes seems to be Zak Brown’s favorite option, he also mentioned the possibility of Verstappen joining Aston Martin, although it doesn’t seem as likely: “As good as Adrian Newey is, to succeed, you need a complete team and the right culture, which takes time.” With George Russell leaving at the end of the season and the arrival of young talents like Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes appears to be a more than viable option for the Dutch driver.

In addition to his comments about Verstappen, Brown didn’t shy away from discussing his well-known rivalry with Christian Horner, Red Bull’s director. This feud began in 2022 over disputes about cost limits, and since then, it has escalated. Brown was critical of Horner’s methods, expressing that there is no mutual affection between them, but that this rivalry is positive for the sport. “It’s genuine, we don’t get along, but it’s good for Formula 1,” said McLaren’s CEO.

McLaren’s future

Despite the feud with Red Bull, Zak Brown remained optimistic about McLaren’s future. After winning the constructors’ championship last year, the British team continues to improve. Brown explained that they’ve learned from their mistakes and, while acknowledging they wasted opportunities, they now have a much more competitive mindset: “Our mentality now is to be better than our rivals, not just as good as them,” concluded Brown, confident that McLaren is ready to lead next season.

With an uncertain future for Verstappen and rising tensions between the leading Formula 1 teams, it seems that the 2024 season will be full of surprises. Will we see the world champion switch teams? Can McLaren continue challenging Red Bull? Time will tell.