McLaren executives are fueling speculation about Verstappen.

      "The phone rings a lot, and Max is incredibly talented."

      McLaren continues to assert that it is not pursuing Max Verstappen, despite the team's ongoing humor about Formula 1 possibly introducing a third car. Speculation has surged recently due to ongoing reports linking the four-time world champion with the Woking team. After CEO Zak Brown jokingly mentioned in Austria that Verstappen would be signed "if, for some odd reason, someone slips on a banana peel while getting out of the bath," team principal Andrea Stella echoed a similar sentiment. When asked by Corriere della Sera what he would say to Verstappen if he sought a position, Stella replied with a smile: "To wait until the FIA creates a third car."

      "If a four-time world champion were to actually knock on our door, we’d take it as a sign of credibility and appeal, similar to what we experienced with Gianpiero (Lambiase). But right now, we are content with Norris and Piastri - we are pleased with this pairing." Brown has been consistently communicating the same message in various interviews leading up to McLaren’s home race at Silverstone. "I have two amazing racing drivers, so if I had a third car, I would sign him instantly," he remarked on the Up to Speed podcast. "However, I don’t have a third car, so I couldn’t be happier with Lando and Oscar."

      Brown also declined to respond when asked which of his current drivers he would replace for Verstappen, playfully exiting the interview instead. "The phone rings a lot, and Max is an exceptional talent," Brown told Heat radio. "We have two excellent drivers in Lando and Oscar, so we have no plans to alter the driver lineup. But it’s certainly flattering."

      These remarks come as Lando Norris also reaffirmed his dedication to McLaren, while acknowledging that winning is his main objective. "My contract still extends for several more years, so I know I’m not going anywhere soon," he stated to Beyond the Grid. "For me, my aim is to stay with McLaren forever, but I also thrive on winning. Until that opportunity arises, one can never be certain." Meanwhile, Sport Bild reports that Verstappen is now more inclined to stay at Red Bull after the team’s positive upgrades during the Austrian Grand Prix, although it is anticipated that the Dutch driver will wait until after Silverstone, Spa, and Hungary before making any decisions regarding 2027.