2026 McLaren Mastercard F1 Team

[Macklaren]

The Daily Mail is the anti credibility. On other news, we look competitive... to be the best of the rest.

F1.com now picking up this trash story sigh

[Avocado]

Why is it a trash story, do you know the real background? This is not the first time this has been talked about. I believe it could happen.

[Balalu]

I wouldn't rule out that talks took place. Does not mean it is on. Both sides could just be testing the waters.

[proteus]

In terms of livery it would be a match made in heaven. In terms of running the team it would be like droping a nuke on themself.

[Macklaren]

In terms of running the team it would be like droping a nuke on themself.

THIS
imagine Max vs papaya rules

[jacme22]

The Daily Mail is the anti credibility. On other news, we look competitive... to be the best of the rest.

F1.com now picking up this trash story sigh

So Erik van Haren has confirmed Mclaren would be Max's top choice right now.

However, the real question is whether McLaren can manage a potentially heated rivalry between Lando and Max, and if Oscar's is unhappy with the team as some rumors say. I'm not sure Max fits with current team culture, and while repeating the 07 drama will be great for TV ratings my guess is that could easily turn things ugly.

IMO it is debatable whether McLaren is far enough ahead of Red Bull for Max to view them as a serious alternative to Merc. I guess maybe he wants to follow GP?

In terms of running the team it would be like droping a nuke on themself.

Agreed, but as much as I love Lando, I think Max would destroy any inner rivalry pretty quickly. It's not that other drivers are bad, is that he is incredibly talented. IMO him, Fernando and LH when the car fits his driving style, would be a step ahead of the rest with spec cars.

[Macklaren]

McLaren is Max's top choice. What if McLaren doesn't want him though?

[FittingMechanics]

McLaren is Max's top choice. What if McLaren doesn't want him though?

Tough to pass on what many see as fastest guy in F1.

I still think the story is bogus, Mercedes makes much more sense.

[genarro]

The only connection is to GP so that has some weight

[Badger]

McLaren is Max's top choice. What if McLaren doesn't want him though?

From the original DM article.

'It is an idea McLaren are keen on,' confirmed one source. 'If it comes off it may be in 2028, but it could even be earlier.'

[CjC]

The only connection is to GP so that has some weight

A lot of weight. It’s the first thing I thought/ said when GP was announced as a Mclaren signing.

Only thing that might put Mclaren off is Max’ salary, which according to Max, Zak once baulked in discussions in years gone by. Mclaren are in a very different place financially today though. Mastercard… priceless.

[genarro]

The only connection is to GP so that has some weight

A lot of weight. It’s the first thing I thought/ said when GP was announced as a Mclaren signing.

Only thing that might put Mclaren off is Max’ salary, which according to Max, Zak once baulked in discussions in years gone by. Mclaren are in a very different place financially today though. Mastercard… priceless.

The top 3 earners are not included in the cost cap and the bahrain sheiks have the money to pay his salary. I think financially it is not a problem.

The biggest problem is that max wants the team to be built around him and i get the feeling that when he goes out, RB will be lost developement wise.

[Big Tea]

The only connection is to GP so that has some weight

A lot of weight. It’s the first thing I thought/ said when GP was announced as a Mclaren signing.

Only thing that might put Mclaren off is Max’ salary, which according to Max, Zak once baulked in discussions in years gone by. Mclaren are in a very different place financially today though. Mastercard… priceless.

Most of that would be recovered by "willing sponsors" wanting to be associated with the name and amount of coverage, but I hope it does not happen, I do not see anything good coning out of it other than short term publicity and maybe one more championship then the need to rebuild again (except possibly if he comes as a package with Horner and GP)

[De Wet]

The only connection is to GP so that has some weight

A lot of weight. It’s the first thing I thought/ said when GP was announced as a Mclaren signing.

Only thing that might put Mclaren off is Max’ salary, which according to Max, Zak once baulked in discussions in years gone by. Mclaren are in a very different place financially today though. Mastercard… priceless.

Most of that would be recovered by "willing sponsors" wanting to be associated with the name and amount of coverage, but I hope it does not happen, I do not see anything good coning out of it other than short term publicity and maybe one more championship then the need to rebuild again (except possibly if he comes as a package with Horner and GP)

Keep Horner away from Mclaren. And wasn't Jos one of the main persons who wanted Horner out ? Why would he be involved ?

[Ground Effect]

Why on earth would McLaren want to have any connection to Horner?