McLaren bosses keeping Verstappen rumours alive

McLaren continues to insist it is not in the market for Max Verstappen, even as the team keeps joking that Formula 1 should introduce a third car.

The speculation has intensified in recent days amid persistent reports linking the four-time world champion with the Woking team.

After CEO Zak Brown joked in Austria that Verstappen would be signed "if, for some strange reason, someone slips on a banana peel while getting out of the bath", team boss Andrea Stella has struck a similar tone.

Asked by Corriere della Sera what he would tell Verstappen if he came calling, Stella smiled: "To wait until the FIA introduces a third car."

"If a four-time world champion actually knocked on our door, we’d take it as a sign of credibility and attractiveness, as was the case with Gianpiero (Lambiase).

"But not now that we have Norris and Piastri - we’re happy with this combination."

Brown has continued delivering the same message in multiple interviews ahead of McLaren’s home race at Silverstone.

"I’ve got two awesome racing drivers, so if I had a third car, I’d sign him in a heartbeat," he said on the Up to Speed podcast.

"But I don’t have a third car, so I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar."

Brown also refused to answer a radio question about which of his current drivers he would drop for Verstappen, jokingly walking out of the interview instead.

"The phone rings a lot, and Max is a huge talent," Brown also told Heat radio.

"We have two great drivers in Lando and Oscar, so we have no intention of changing the driver lineup.

"But it’s flattering."

The comments come as Lando Norris also reaffirmed his commitment to McLaren, while admitting winning remains the priority.

"My contract still goes for a good amount of years so I know I’m not leaving any time soon," he told Beyond the Grid.

"For me, that’s my goal, to be with McLaren forever, but I also love winning. So, until that time comes, you never know."

Meanwhile, Sport Bild reports Verstappen is now more likely to remain at Red Bull following the team’s encouraging Austrian GP upgrade, although the Dutchman is still expected to wait until after Silverstone, Spa and Hungary before making any decision about 2027.