Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese examines the rumors about Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future. Since the announced departure of Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren after 2027, rumors about the world champion’s further F1 career have been circulating again. However, should he decide to move to another team, Patrese believes he can go anywhere: ‘Even Ferrari would find a spot for him’.
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Following the announced departure of Gianpiero Lambiase from Red Bull, Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 is also under scrutiny again. The Dutchman’s regular race engineer will only move to McLaren after 2027, but already there is much speculation about what this means for Verstappen’s further Formula 1 career at Red Bull.
Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese – who drove for Williams, among others, between 1977 and 1993 – believes that if Verstappen still wants to change teams, racing stables will be lining up for him. “There are many rumors circulating, but if Max wants to make a transfer, he can do it very easily,” Patrese tells a betting platform. “Everyone would love to have someone like him on their team. If he wanted to go to McLaren, probably one of the current two drivers, perhaps Oscar Piastri, would have to leave.”
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Mercedes and Ferrari
Patrese also immediately points to Mercedes. Team boss Toto Wolff launched a charm offensive towards the four-time world champion last season. “If he wanted to go to Mercedes, it would probably be George Russell who would have to give up his seat, given that Kimi Antonelli is very strong in the world championship.”
Ferrari would also make way for Verstappen, Patrese thinks. “Even if he wanted to go to Ferrari, they would probably find a spot for him. At the moment, things are going well in Maranello. They are happier because the car is new and they hope to develop it further so that it becomes competitive and can win.” Whatever Verstappen decides, according to Patrese, he is ‘the first puzzle piece’: “He makes the first decision, the rest will then adapt naturally.”
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