- Van der Garde says McLaren’s recruitment of Red Bull vets could attract Verstappen.
- Verstappen’s performance clause might trigger move if he misses top two rankings.
- McLaren may sacrifice Oscar Piastri to pair Lando Norris with the world champion.
Former F1 driver Van der Garde offered his stance on how McLaren has an upper hand in securing Max Verstappen, if at all, he decides to switch teams in 2027. While he’s aware that it would be up to Verstappen and his team to secure him the best deal outside Red Bull, McLaren’s latest attractive hirings could prompt him to consider them as a good option.
Although the Dutchman have considered retirement after being fed up with the struggles and new regs, he hasn’t provided any take on whether he could make a move onto another team. According to his performance clause at Red Bull, Verstappen needs to be within the top 2 of the championship by the summer break. If not, the contract could get triggered, giving him a chance to consider other options.
Keeping in mind the disastrous start to the season, Verstappen, although very capable of quickly securing points, could realistically fail to reach the top 2 by the summer break. This is because Mercedes is clearly very dominant, and even other top teams like Ferrari and McLaren, who are consistently trying to provide tough competition, are also struggling a bit to close the gap and match the pace.
McLaren has an advantage that could help them secure Max Verstappen
In a recent conversation at Formule1.nl, Garde spoke about how McLaren could be a suitable team for Verstappen; however, the final call will be up to him to get where he gets the best deal for his future in the sport. He said, “Max moving to McLaren could well be an option. It’s up to Max and his management to carefully consider what they want and where they can secure the best deal.”
However, he also acknowledged that Verstappen is a sought-after candidate in F1 and has no shortage of teams that are more than eager to sign him. “There are plenty of options, because everyone wants Max. McLaren has the advantage of having more Red Bull veterans on board with whom he has enjoyed success, such as Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay,” he explained. Now, McLaren has also secured Verstappen’s engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who would join the team in 2028. The team’s top talent recruitment from Red Bull might prove to be an attractive bait to secure Verstappen, but it remains to be seen if he falls for it.
Who would be sacrificed in McLaren if Verstappen chooses to join?
McLaren would likely let go of Oscar Piastri, with Lando Norris potentially becoming a teammate to Verstappen. Piastri’s contract with the team lasts until at least the end of 2027. It remains to be seen how they navigate the contract situation with Piastri to secure Verstappen swiftly (if at all Verstappen’s Red Bull switch scenario happens).
In 2023, Norris appreciated Verstappen’s racecraft and adaptability while also showing openness to race alongside him someday as teammates. “I think no matter what car he’s in, he’ll be able to perform at a similar level. Maybe with different results, but at a similar level, and I think at that point it’d be great to work alongside someone like that. At the same time, to see where I can really stand against him. I’d be open to it,” he elaborated.
