Last Updated on March 27 2026, 12:45 pm
Verstappen’s future under scrutiny – Speculation over Max Verstappen’s long-term future continues to intensify, with former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese suggesting that the reigning superstar may leave Red Bull Racing if performance concerns persist.
Patrese believes that Verstappen’s immediate future is closely tied to how the current era of regulations unfolds. The Dutchman has said that he will evaluate Red Bull’s competitiveness before making any major career decisions.
“We know he has decided to stay at Red Bull for another season to see how the new regulations affect performance,” Patrese explained. “Should he find that Red Bull cannot offer him a competitive car, he will move to another team where he can fight for the title.”
A frustrating season has fuelled uncertainty
The current campaign has not gone to plan for Verstappen. Adapting to the latest rule changes has proven difficult, leaving the four-time world champion battling inconsistency rather than dominating at the front.
Patrese described it as a “frustrating season”, but insisted that Verstappen’s motivation remains intact. Rather than walking away quietly, the Dutchman is expected to make one final push to reach the very top.
“Before he leaves Formula 1, I believe he would like to try once more to drive a competitive car and perhaps aim for his fifth world championship title,” said Patrese.
This ambition could ultimately determine his next move, whether that be staying loyal to Red Bull or seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
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Mercedes emerges as a serious contender
One potential destination that refuses to go away is the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Silver Arrows have re-established themselves as a leading force, putting them firmly back in the running for the championship.
However, a potential Verstappen move would not be straightforward. Mercedes already has a formidable driver pairing in George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli.
Patrese even predicted an internal title fight between the two, saying: “Both Kimi and Russell have a chance to win the championship. One of them will become world champion this season.”
This raises questions about whether Mercedes would disrupt its current momentum to accommodate Verstappen, or whether the team could attempt to build a superteam around him.
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“Still the best driver in Formula 1”
Despite the turbulence, Patrese remains unequivocal in his assessment of Verstappen’s talent. In his view, the Dutchman continues to set the benchmark in Formula 1.
‘He is still the best driver in Formula 1,’ he said, emphasising the point that any team would benefit from securing his services.
A move to Mercedes would likely see Verstappen paired with a world champion-calibre teammate, adding another layer of intensity to an already competitive environment. Yet, based on his track record, Verstappen has never shied away from high-pressure intra-team battles.
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A glimpse beyond Formula 1
Interestingly, Patrese also suggested a more unexpected possibility: that Verstappen could eventually walk away from Formula 1 altogether.
According to the Italian, it’s not inconceivable that the Dutchman might one day decide: “I’ve had enough! I’m going fishing now!”
While this may sound far-fetched, Verstappen has often talked about wanting to race in other categories and lead a balanced life away from the relentless demands of Formula 1.
He has already tried his hand at GT racing, including a recent outing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the legendary Nürburgring — a move that only fuels speculation about his long-term ambitions beyond the F1 paddock.
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Formula 1 cannot afford to lose him
For Patrese, however, one thing is clear: Formula 1 needs Verstappen. His presence elevates the sport in terms of both performance and spectacle.
“We mustn’t lose Max from Formula 1,” he warned. “He’s the driver who makes the show so much better. Formula 1 needs a driver like Max. It can’t afford to lose him.”
Whatever decision Verstappen makes, whether he stays loyal to Red Bull, switches to Mercedes or eventually steps away from the sport, it is set to be one of the defining storylines of the modern Formula 1 era.
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NEXT ARTICLE – FIA to urgently address farcical 2026 F1 regulations
As much as the teams, drivers and F1 broadcasters tell the fans the racing is great in 2026, there is a massive problem with the all new F1 racing this year. Yes the race starts have been filled with drama, as the Ferrari’s with their small designed turbo’s launch off the line ahead of the Mercedes cars, but once the sugar rush fades the spectacle becomes mundane.
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The Ferrari driver is one of the finest qualifiers amongst the current crop of F1 competitors. The 28 year old Monegasque has 27 pole positions to his name although his win rate of just 8 Grand Prix is an indictment on how Ferrari have built their previous cars.
During Sprint qualifying in China, Leclerc suffered a slide at the rear of his SF-26. This is nothing unusual given the drivers leave it all out there on track in an effort to claim pole position. Yet Charles’ response to the slide set in motion a host of automatic algorithm defined electrical procedures which to cut a long story short left him well down on electrical power for the long back straight.
In effect, the computer decided it was time to deploy full power after Leclerc’s response of lifting for the slide. But through turn 10/11 in Shanghai, this is not the most efficient place for that deployment to take place. So it was nothing to do with Leclerc that his SF-26 had less electrical power on the back straight than his previous run. Its all in the algorithm…CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE
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