Zak Brown responds to shock Oscar Piastri-Red Bull F1 report

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has responded to reports linking Oscar Piastri to Red Bull as a possible successor to Max Verstappen, stressing that his priority is to foster a team environment that drivers and staff don't want to leave. Verstappen's long-term future at Red Bull remains a hot topic amid his frustrations with the current technical regulations and a contract clause that could allow him to exit early.

Why it matters:

Piastri, managed by former Red Bull driver Mark Webber, is under a long-term deal with McLaren. If Verstappen leaves—potentially as early as 2027 via a performance-based escalator clause—Red Bull may seek a top-tier replacement. Brown's comments signal McLaren's commitment to retaining their star driver, who alongside Lando Norris forms one of the strongest lineups on the grid.

The details:

• Verstappen's contract: The quadruple champion’s deal runs through 2028, but includes an escalator clause tied to championship position by the summer break. For 2025, top-three placement allowed exit for the following season; for 2026, top-two placement would enable departure for 2027.
• Webber connection: Piastri's manager Mark Webber, a former Red Bull driver, naturally fuels speculation linking the Australian to Milton Keynes.
• Brown's philosophy: “I would imagine there’s not a team on the grid that wouldn’t want to have Oscar and Lando driving for them,” Brown told The Athletic. “Our job is to create an environment where our drivers don’t want to drive anywhere else… You don’t want to hold someone because you’ve got a piece of paper.”

What's next:

McLaren's challenge is to maintain a competitive edge that keeps Piastri and Norris content amid external interest. With the 2026 regulation overhaul approaching, team performance will be a key factor in driver retention. Brown's approach—focusing on culture rather than contracts—may prove critical as the driver market evolves.