's management was involved in a phone call with Racing CEO 'some time ago', but the American executive's interest dried up after he 'knew how much he would have to pay'. The four-time world champion is contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 campaign, but it is widely reported that Verstappen has performance-related levers that could allow him to separate from Christian Horner's squad this season ahead of the 2026 regulation shifts.

According to a report from , Brown contacted Verstappen's management team, spearheaded by Raymond Vermeulen, to enquire about the finances required to bring the Dutchman to McLaren.

Verstappen was asked about the contact before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. He explained to Viaplay: "He didn't, he didn't call me [directly]. But I think that didn't last long. When he knew how much he would have to pay, it was over immediately."

With a move for Verstappen off the cards, McLaren moved to tie down their existing driver line-up to long-term contracts. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are contracted with the team into the new regulations period and beyond.

For Piastri, there was contract news to celebrate ahead of his home race. The 23-year-old has penned a multi-year contract extension that will bring his salary closer to team-mate Norris.

"It's a great feeling knowing that I'm part of McLaren's long-term vision," he said after the deal was announced. "The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we've gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible.

"There are so many talented and special people working at MTC who have helped me to become a Formula One race winner very early in my career. Therefore, I'm very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come. I'm excited to fight for the big prizes as a McLaren driver and after last year's fantastic achievements, it has made me even hungrier to stay at the sharp end."

Piastri celebrated the news by putting his MCL39 machine on the front row of the grid for his home race, giving him a fighting chance of leading at Turn One in front of a fanatical Melbourne crowd.