F1 Champ Warns McLaren Against Verstappen Move

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has advised McLaren against signing Max Verstappen, warning that such a move could disrupt the team's harmony.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast alongside former teammate David Coulthard, Hakkinen said McLaren's success is built on collective strength rather than individual star power. "It's very interesting," he said. "It's not only Max out there, of course, but there are many other drivers. But what I have seen [with] how McLaren operates, they want to really look at the overall team package all the time."

Hakkinen pointed to his own six-year partnership with Coulthard at McLaren, which delivered back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999. "That indicates that if there's a good harmony inside a team, why have somebody else there?" he added.

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Verstappen has been linked with a shock move to McLaren amid Red Bull's struggles under F1's new regulations. Reports earlier this season suggested Verstappen's management had spoken with McLaren CEO Zak Brown, but both Brown and Oscar Piastri's manager Mark Webber have dismissed the speculation.

Piastri remains under contract with McLaren, and the team insists it is happy with its current driver lineup. Verstappen is also contracted to Red Bull until 2028, though he has not guaranteed his future beyond this season.

Hakkinen also offered his thoughts on the current generation of F1 cars, praising their stability under braking and linear engine torque. However, he identified the increased weight as the main drawback. "Otherwise, I think it would be exciting to try them," he said.

Formula 1 returns with the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23.