Riccardo Patrese thinks Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull if Gianpiero Lambiase departs. According to the Italian, the collaboration between Verstappen and his race engineer is so important that Lambiase’s departure could cause a domino effect. “If Lambiase leaves, that means Max will also leave Red Bull,” said Patrese.
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Riccardo Patrese sees that Max Verstappen is currently not entirely satisfied with the current cars and with Red Bull. He emphasizes that the Dutchman must above all continue to enjoy racing. “Max must first and foremost enjoy driving these cars. He is strong enough to honestly say: ‘If I no longer enjoy it, then I’ll stop or leave.’ He has already achieved so much and proven that he is the best,” Patrese told BettingLounge.
‘Becoming world champion three times’
The former Formula 1 driver states that if Verstappen gets a good feeling for the sport again, he will continue. “Max is dissatisfied, but I don’t think he wants to leave Formula 1. He is still very young and has it in him to perhaps become world champion three more times,” Patrese emphasized. “The first test with the new regulations was a shock for everyone. The way of driving changed so drastically, but the sport is currently strong enough to continue without Max Verstappen.”
If Verstappen chooses to stay, Patrese doesn’t see him quickly joining Lambiase at McLaren. “There are so many rumors. If Max wants to change teams, he can easily do that. Everyone wants him on their team. He is the first piece of the puzzle, then everything starts to move. Mercedes is dominant now, they have built a very good car with the new regulations. McLaren is probably catching up, so we’ll see who is better,” said Patrese.
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‘More time needed’
In recent years, many key figures have left the Red Bull team, such as Adrian Newey, Christian Horner, and Rob Marshall, and according to Patrese, that’s where the sting is. “Last year they didn’t have the dominant car. Now they have to build everything from scratch, without Adrian Newey, their technical leader and top man. They haven’t taken the right steps. The engine works at least, but it’s certainly not the best engine. They are behind, even with Max Verstappen,” said Patrese.
For now, the six-time Grand Prix winner dares not say whether Red Bull will make a comeback or if they are written off. “We have to wait until after the break, then we will have a better picture of whether they are completely doomed or if they can rise again. With such changes, you need a bit more time to understand everything. They have had time to look at their weaknesses. Before I give a definitive judgment, I have to wait until the championship restarts,” Patrese concluded.
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