By Joe Morin | July 12, 2026
Could Max Verstappen Sign with McLaren Next Year? The Biggest Formula One Rumor Yet
Formula One’s annual “silly season” has produced some incredible stories over the years, but few have generated as much discussion as the possibility of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull for McLaren next season. It is the kind of move that would completely reshape the Formula One landscape.
At the moment, however, the situation is far more complicated than the headlines suggest.
Why the Rumours Exist
The speculation isn’t coming out of nowhere.
Red Bull has endured a frustrating campaign by its lofty standards, and Verstappen has made it clear that simply participating isn’t enough. The four-time world champion wants to compete for victories and championships every weekend, and if Red Bull cannot consistently provide that, it is only natural that rival teams would explore their options. Reports in recent weeks have suggested there have been informal discussions and plenty of paddock speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future.
McLaren, meanwhile, has become the benchmark team in Formula One. Their car has been quick at virtually every circuit, their technical department is among the strongest in the sport, and they appear well-positioned for the future.
For any driver, that would be an attractive destination.
The Biggest Obstacle
The problem is simple: McLaren already has arguably the strongest driver lineup on the grid.
Lando Norris remains one of Formula One’s elite talents, while Oscar Piastri has established himself as a championship-caliber driver. Both are under long-term contracts, and McLaren management has repeatedly expressed confidence in keeping them together. Team CEO Zak Brown has publicly stated that McLaren is happy with its current pairing, even while acknowledging Verstappen’s extraordinary talent.
Unless one of those seats unexpectedly becomes available, there is nowhere obvious for Verstappen to fit.
Would Verstappen Make McLaren Even Better?
On pure driving ability, it’s difficult to argue against Verstappen.
His consistency, race craft, tire management, qualifying speed, and ability to maximize difficult machinery have made him arguably the best driver of his generation.
Adding Verstappen to McLaren would instantly create one of the most formidable teams Formula One has ever seen.
However, it would also create a significant challenge.
McLaren has built a stable, cooperative environment between Norris and Piastri. Introducing Verstappen would almost certainly create an intense battle for team leadership. While great teams often thrive on competition, history has shown that two clear number-one drivers can also create internal conflict.
Would Verstappen Actually Want to Leave Red Bull?
That may ultimately be the deciding factor.
Verstappen has spent nearly his entire Formula One career with Red Bull, winning multiple World Championships and becoming the face of the organization.
Walking away from that legacy would not be an easy decision.
Still, Formula One drivers are motivated by one thing above all else: winning. If Verstappen believes another team gives him the best chance of continuing to fight for championships, loyalty may eventually take a back seat.
So Will It Happen?
At this stage, the answer is probably no.
The rumors are real enough that they cannot simply be dismissed, and Verstappen’s future is clearly being watched closely throughout the paddock. But McLaren’s commitment to Norris and Piastri, combined with Verstappen’s existing Red Bull contract, makes a move for next season look unlikely.
That said, Formula One has a habit of producing surprises when least expected. A sudden change in driver performance, contract clauses, or team dynamics could
quickly alter the picture. Just a few years ago, few people would have predicted Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes or Ferrari rebuilding into a title contender.
Final Thoughts
The idea of Max Verstappen driving for McLaren is one of the most fascinating “what if” scenarios in modern Formula One. On paper, it would unite the sport’s most complete driver with arguably its fastest car—a combination that could dominate the championship for years.
For now, though, it remains exactly that: an intriguing possibility rather than an imminent reality.
Until a McLaren seat actually opens or Verstappen signals that he is ready to leave Red Bull, expect the speculation to continue—but don’t expect to see the reigning champion wearing papaya quite yet.
Joe Morin is a regular contributor to The Sidearmer, specializing in Formula One coverage. He has been following Formula One and other forms of racing for over 30 years. He has even competed in the now-defunct Canadian Karting Championship, finishing second overall in 2008. This gives him a driver’s perspective, complemented by an analyst approach. Morin also has experience in podcasting, having worked behind the microphone for over ten years and as a video and audio editor for The Gorilla Position and Turnbuckle Studios.
