Verstappen McLaren Move? – Why Toto is Key
At the time of writing a Verstappen to McLaren move is a hot F1 story. These are the factors at play which make it a realistic possibility.
Webber Ban
According to some sources, Mark Webber is banned from McLaren hospitality, the reasons being put forward are alleged accusations he has made of McLaren favouring Lando Norris over Piastri.
However Webber is welcome in Red Bull hospitality.
If this is true, then a Piastri move to Red Bull would make sense. There could be fricition between Piastri’s team and McLaren and Piastri has impressed with his speed. In short, Piastri at Red Bull would fit.
Mercedes Engines
A source has also suggested that Mercedes are not prepared to pay Verstappen what he wants. In other words, Verstappen to Mercedes is not going to happen.
Couple this with Antonelli appearing to be Toto’s chosen one, Max to Mercedes looks unnecessary for Toto. At the moment it looks like Antonelli can win races, he looks to be getting stronger, the public love him, his appeal to brands is only increasing. Why would Toto and Mercedes jeopardise tarnishing Kimi’s image by putting a monster in the other seat at McLaren? Sure if McLaren were struggling for driver talent, yes, Max is a great choice, but at the moment, they look complete.
Why is/was Verstappen speaking with Mercedes?
My hypothesis is the engine situation.
In the last Grand Prix (Silverstone) it was highlighted that McLaren don’t have the access to the same capabilities of the Mercedes engine as Mercedes do.
If this is true, and if Verstappen is aware of the situation, it would make sense that Verstappen would speak to Toto about McLaren having parity with Mercedes on the engine front before he commits to drive for McLaren.
Why Would Mercedes Cater to Max?
Verstappen is bringing massive publicity to Mercedes through his GT3 program. This gives Verstappen leverage. “I’ll continue to drive Mercedes GT3 cars (perhaps even as a paying customer) but I need McLaren to get the latest Mercedes engine if I drive for them”
You can imagine how appealing this is to all involved. Literally, everyone is a winner.
Why Would Max Leave Red Bull?
A source has suggested that the relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull has become toxic. Max’s comment after his race crash at Silverstone helps back this statement up as being true. Verstappen was extremely harsh of the car.
Additionally Verstappen’s race engineer is going to McLaren in 2028 and Verstappen is know to be close to him.
Verstappen McLaren Move – When Would It Happen?
Apparently Verstappen has a clause that allows him to leave Red Bull at the end of the season.
Piastri’s contract with McLaren could end at the end of 2026. (But it could be end of 2028).
I think a next year move would be unlikely. It’s too short notice and Lambiase won’t be there until 2028. Plus McLaren may want more money now because of the time remaining on Piastri’s contract.
I think a Verstappen sabbatical for 2027 could happen. I think Lambiase will also probably be on gardening leave in 2027. With Piastri running out the penultimate year of his contract at McLaren.
Mclaren might wave any transfer fee for Piastri (for the last year of his contract) in return for Verstappen bringing the latest Mercedes engines to McLaren in 2028.
What Verstappen does in 2027 who knows. Anything is possible, McLaren and Mercedes and doing plenty in other categories.
In Conclusion
Verstappen to McLaren in 2028
Piastri to Red Bull in 2028
McLaren to get access to latest Mercedes engines in 2028
Verstappen uses Mercedes in GT3 for foreseeable future.
Mercedes driver lineup remains unchanged (assuming Russell is happy) for 2027
