Zak Brown predicts Verstappen leaves Red Bull for Mercedes in 2025

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has predicted that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2025 season and join Mercedes, citing the team's stability and their success in recent years as key factors. Despite Verstappen's contract with Red Bull lasting until 2028, internal conflicts and a decline in performance have fueled speculation about his future. Brown believes that Mercedes, with its strong power unit capabilities and favorable team culture, is the most likely destination for Verstappen, particularly as contracts for current Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are set to expire. This prediction comes amidst reports of Aston Martin also showing interest in signing Verstappen, especially with Adrian Newey joining their team. However, Brown emphasizes that a successful transition would require more than just strong individual talent. As the F1 landscape prepares for significant regulatory changes in 2026, the potential for Verstappen's move is seen as a strategic maneuver for his career.