Zak Brown Challenges Formula One ‘Two-Horse Race‘ Talk, Foresees Verstappen to Mercedes
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London, – McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown is pushing back against the narrative of a “two-horse race” for the Formula One World championship. Brown maintains that Red Bull’s Max Verstappen remains a strong contender for his fifth consecutive title and anticipates a future move to Mercedes for the Dutch driver.
Verstappen Still in the Hunt, Says Brown
Despite Red Bull team principal Christian Horner suggesting the championship battle was effectively down to McLaren’s drivers after a challenging race in Austria, Brown disagrees. Horner’s comments came after Verstappen was involved in a first-lap incident, leaving him significantly behind in the points standings.
Currently, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri leads teammate Lando Norris by 15 points. Verstappen sits 61 points behind Piastri after 11 of 24 races. However, Brown believes it’s premature to count Verstappen out. “I think it’s a four maybe even a five,” Brown stated, referring to the number of drivers still in contention. He made these remarks at a McLaren fan event in london’s Trafalgar Square.
Did You Know? The Formula One World Championship has been awarded every year since 1950, showcasing decades of racing history and rivalries.
Brown emphasized the volatility of Formula One, noting, “We’re in a great position, but we know how quickly things can change in Formula One. Max isn’t that far behind, and he’s that awesome, and then George isn’t far behind him, and you can definitely see Mercedes is getting tougher and tougher and are not far away.” He also included Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in his list of potential contenders. “Maybe ask me that question in another five races, and I’ll answer it differently. But right now, I see those five all in contention for the championship.”
Verstappen to Mercedes: A Matter of when,Not If?
Rumors linking Verstappen to Mercedes have circulated for some time,with Mercedes acknowledging discussions with the driver about a future move,perhaps as early as 2027. Brown has previously stated his expectation of Verstappen joining Mercedes, a position he reiterated. The Silver Arrows are currently using power units built by mercedes AMG High performance Powertrains.
“There’s a lot of noise. I’m a believer of where there’s smoke there’s fire.No one’s kind of denying anything, no one’s making firm ‘I’m gonna be in this car next year’,” brown explained. “So, in my experience and reading the tea leaves, I feel like something’s going on, maybe something’s even already done… it’s what makes Formula One fun, there’s always some storyline for everyone to follow, so I think I stand by my prediction.”
Key Driver Standings Comparison
| Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | [Current Points] |
| Lando Norris | McLaren | [Current points – 15] |
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | [Current Points – 61] |
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on mid-season upgrades; they can dramatically shift a team’s competitive edge.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Formula One
Formula One is a sport defined by constant change. Technological advancements, regulatory adjustments, and driver movements all contribute to a dynamic environment where predictions are often proven wrong. The 2026 season will see significant changes to power unit regulations, potentially shaking up the established order and creating opportunities for teams like McLaren and Mercedes to challenge Red bull’s dominance.
What team do you think will pose the biggest threat to Red Bull in the coming races? Will Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes reshape the future of Formula One?
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