Zak Brown: I think Verstappen will join Mercedes for 2026

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes top rival Max Verstappen is poised to switch teams following the 2025 season, likely heading to Mercedes.

"I think he'll leave at the end of this year," Brown told Tom Cary of The Telegraph. "Most likely to Merc. There's been talk of Aston Martin, too, with Adrian Newey joining. But as great as Adrian is - and he's the greatest ever - you need a whole team around you. You need the culture. That takes time. If I was betting, I'd bet on Merc."

Newey, who is regarded as one of the most innovative engineers in Formula 1 history, joined Aston Martin after serving as Red Bull's chief technical officer from 2006-24.

Brown listed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's high regard for Verstappen and the team's track record among the reasons why the move could occur.

"They have stability," Brown said. "We know Toto likes him. And I think we all feel (Mercedes) is best equipped on the power unit side heading into the new engine regulations next year."

Brown also noted that driver George Russell's contract is up at the end of the season and rookie Kimi Antonelli "will be on a series of one-years."

Verstappen is signed to Red Bull through 2028, but there have been questions about his future dating back to the start of last season.

The four-time reigning champion defeated McLaren driver Lando Norris in an intense battle for the drivers' championship in 2024, while the latter's team picked up the constructors' title.

McLaren opened the 2025 season with a victory in Melbourne as Norris passed the finish line less than a second ahead of Verstappen, who came in second.