Leclerc cautioned against Red Bull seat if Verstappen quits Formula 1

Verstappen’s increasingly uncertain position, with the Dutchman growing more frustrated with the new Formula 1 regulations, could potentially trigger a major ripple effect on the driver market if he were to walk away, hypothetically freeing up one of the most sought-after seats on the grid.

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, however, the former German driver believes it would be wiser for Leclerc to remain at Ferrari: "I think now you have to say it very honestly, Red Bull in its current situation is not really an option. This is now a long-term project again. First of all the engine development, which they have actually done well.

When asked to describe the outfits, the Ferrari driver immediately associated his own team with passion, before turning to the others.

He labelled McLaren as speed, Mercedes as precision, and Red Bull as ambition, giving a concise snapshot of how he views each of the sport’s leading contenders.