McLaren boss Zak Brown believes they can not completely rule out a move for Max Verstappen in the future, despite the process seeming unlikely.

Verstappen finished second at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his best finish of the season as he became the second Formula One driver to surpass 3,500 career points (3,517.5) after Lewis Hamilton (5,143.5).

There has been no grand prix where Verstappen has scored more points in his F1 career than in Austria (196, level with the United States), and only in Spain (eight) has he reached the podium more times than in Austria (seven).

No driver has more podium finishes in Austria than Verstappen (seven), although he had not achieved one since his victory in 2023. He has never gone more than two consecutive grands prix in Spielberg without a podium finish.

His recent struggles, along with the new F1 regulations for 2026, have reignited talks of retirement for the 28-year-old, who may also consider leaving Red Bull.

McLaren have reportedly held talks with the four-time world champion, but both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have signed long-term contracts.

Although Brown sees the chances of signing Verstappen for the 2027 season or later as unlikely, he did not completely rule anything out.

Brown told Sky Sports: "I'd be very surprised if Lando or Oscar went elsewhere, because they are very happy.

"Of course they have contracts, but besides that, we're very happy with them and they are very happy here.

"If for some strange reason someone slipped on a banana peel getting out of the tub, then yeah of course, Max is a four-time world champion."

Verstappen is seventh in the Drivers' Championship this year, 98 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli.

The F1 schedule continues this week with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.