Marc Surer advises Verstappen against switching to McLaren – Following confirmation that Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren, speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future has intensified. However, former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer has warned against any move to Woking, suggesting that Mercedes would be a more logical destination for the Dutchman if he leaves Red Bull.
In an interview with Total-motorsport.com, Surer questioned the logic of Verstappen joining a customer team, despite McLaren’s current success. “Why would he go to a customer team?” he asked.
While acknowledging McLaren’s recent success, Surer emphasised the limitations of their current structure. “They’ve done everything right, and they still have a customer engine,” he explained, referencing the team’s reliance on Mercedes power units.
With new regulations approaching, Surer believes that a factory-backed outfit offers greater long-term security. “From Verstappen’s point of view, it would be much better to switch to the factory teams, especially now with the new regulations,” he added.
Lambiase’s move has fuelled speculation over Verstappen’s future
The announcement that Gianpiero Lambiase will become McLaren’s Chief Racing Officer by 2027 at the latest has intensified rumours of a potential Verstappen exit.
Lambiase has played a key role in Verstappen’s success at Red Bull, serving as his race engineer and a trusted voice on the radio for many years. His departure naturally raises questions about whether Verstappen could follow him.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Formula 1 goes beyond potential team switches. Concerns about upcoming regulation changes have already sparked repeated discussion about a possible sabbatical or even an early exit from the sport.
Surer warned that such a scenario would have wider consequences.
“If the best driver leaves the racing series, that would be very bad for Formula 1’s image,” he said.
Loyalty to Red Bull remains the key message
Despite the growing speculation surrounding a potential departure, Surer made it clear that Verstappen should not consider forcing an early exit from Red Bull.
“I think he should finish the year, even if it hurts, because it’s his team and he’s won four world championships with them,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of loyalty during difficult periods, particularly given Red Bull’s reliance on Verstappen’s performance.
“In bad times, it is important to stick together and support them, at least this season, because they need him. Without him, they are completely lost.”
Red Bull are under pressure ahead of the Miami upgrades
The urgency of the situation is reflected in Red Bull’s difficult start to the 2026 season. The team has yet to secure a top-five finish and is currently struggling to keep pace with its main rivals.
Team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged the issues and outlined plans to introduce significant updates at the Miami Grand Prix.
These changes are expected to coincide with adjustments linked to evolving regulations.
“We are taking a step forward with the rules that are being introduced in Miami. Max embraces that. Will that be enough? Only time will tell,” Mekies told Sky Sports.
He admitted that the car’s drivability had been a major issue for both Verstappen and his teammate, Isack Hadjar.
“We know that our priority is to give him a car that he can push with. That has nothing to do with the rules. We know that we gave him and Isack a very difficult car to drive in the first three races.”
Pressure to restore Verstappen’s confidence
A key focus for Red Bull is rebuilding Verstappen’s confidence following a disappointing start to the season. Mekies highlighted the importance of providing the Dutchman with a car that allows him to fully exploit his abilities.
“We must give him a car that allows him to push consistently. That doesn’t mean the car will be quick enough for pole positions, but it will allow him to demonstrate his full potential and enable us to develop the car accordingly.”
While immediate results are not guaranteed, Mekies remains optimistic about the team’s ability to recover.
“I am confident that it may not be resolved in time for Miami, but the team can quickly identify what is holding us back, as they did last year. Then you’ll see a smile on Max’s face more often.”
After the opening rounds, Verstappen sits ninth in the drivers’ standings with just 12 points, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Red Bull and the growing importance of the decisions that lie ahead.
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A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.
