Rival F1 boss reveals thoughts on Max Verstappen team swap

A rival F1 boss opened up on rumors linking Mac Verstappen with a huge off-season team switch.

Speculation, helped along in no small part by comments from inside the Mercedes team, has ramped up on the reigning world champion's future in recent weeks.

And despite both parties refusing to give much away when probed on the subject, McLaren chief Zak Brown believes that speaks volumes.

"I'm a believer of when there's smoke, there's fire. If everyone was committed to their seats next year, that's what everyone would be saying," he told Sky Sports News at McLaren's pre-Silverstone event at Trafalgar Square in London.

"The fact everyone's talking and no one is confirming anything, tells me there are definitely conversations going on. I said a while ago I wouldn't be surprised to see Max in a Mercedes.

“I don’t think [next year] is out of the question. I think I’d rather see Max in a Red Bull at the moment than in a Mercedes! Formula 1 is always exciting, I think stay tuned. I think there might be another chapter to this story.”

READ MORE: FIA confirm DOUBLE penalty for Red Bull star after Austrian Grand Prix collision

Verstappen hopes to bounce back at Silverstone

Brown later added that he felt Red Bull would be behind their junior team Racing Bulls without Verstappen on their side.

"Red Bull would be behind Racing Bulls [without Verstappen], "he added. "They have done a great job and have a great racing car. I think Max is carrying them at the moment."

Verstappen - whose contract reportedly contains an exit clause - is currently third in the drivers' championship behind McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris going into this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

And while he remains within touching distance of his rivals, he can ill-afford another weekend like the one he endured in Austria last time out, where a lap-one collision with rookie Kimi Antonelli cut his afternoon short and landed a hammer blow to his title aspirations.

READ MORE: FIA confirm Mercedes F1 star set for punishment

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