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McLaren boss quick-witted on Verstappen: 'Third car needed'
Amid the ongoing stream of rumors surrounding Max Verstappen's future, McLaren's team principal has responded to a potential move with a witty quip.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-19T06:45:00.000Z - 2 min read
The driver market in Formula 1 never seems to sleep, even when the actual 'silly season' is still far off. Speculation surrounding the future of Max Verstappen continues to preoccupy the paddock. After all, his dominant performances make him a sought-after name for virtually every top team on the grid.
In particular, recent unrest at Red Bull Racing has fueled the rumor mill further, reigniting talk of a potential exit. Various top teams are being mentioned as potential new employers for the Dutch world champion. For instance, the question was recently raised as to whether McLaren might be interested in Verstappen's services.
The response from the McLaren team principal left little ambiguity, albeit delivered with a wink. Asked about the possibility of signing Verstappen, he wittily replied that the team would need 'a third car.' This statement underscores satisfaction with the current driver lineup at the Woking-based outfit.
Indeed, the British squad currently boasts two drivers around whom it is building for the coming years, both of whom are delivering successful performances. With current contracts in place and the steady progress McLaren has shown of late, there is no immediate room for an additional star driver. The humorous remark highlights this reality without disparaging Verstappen's talents.
While merely a lighthearted response, it nevertheless reflects the constant pressure surrounding driver contracts. Team bosses often have to handle questions about rivals and their star drivers diplomatically. A humorous approach is sometimes chosen to take the sting out of persistent speculation.
The comment fits a pattern of cautious, yet occasionally sharp answers to the ongoing rumor mill. Although Verstappen is under contract at Red Bull, any hint of dissatisfaction or a possible exit remains fodder for international motorsport media. Jokes of this nature will undoubtedly feature repeatedly over the coming months.
For McLaren, in any case, this situation alters nothing regarding their current focus. The team remains committed to optimizing performance with their existing lineup. Priority is firmly placed on developing the car further and maximizing the potential of their own talents.