Two former Red Bull drivers tipped to replace Verstappen amid F1 exit threat

Verstappen's frustration with the 2026 F1 regulations has only grown stronger upon the season's start, as the Dutchman's pre-season "Formula E on steroids" remarks have been followed up by sarcastic comparisons to 'Mario Kart.'

However, the four-time world champion has also started to publicly discuss the possibility of an early exit from F1 at the end of 2026, having been left wondering whether racing under the current rules is "worth it."

Sky pundit Brundle has dismissed those threats as "boring", but the former McLaren driver has also raised two possible replacements for Red Bull, all the while criticising the Austrian team's handling of former drivers.

Speaking on Sky's The F1 Show, Brundle commented on Red Bull's treatment of the No. 2 seat, with drivers such as Liam Lawson and Alex Albon "burned by the culture" as they struggled next to Verstappen.

Brundle said: "They all got burned by Verstappen's brilliance and by the culture that was there.

“But you could say the same for Alex Albon, to an extent Carlos Sainz, Liam Lawson, they all got burned by that culture there,” he said.

After comparing Mercedes' treatment of Antonelli to that of Red Bull and their junior drivers, Brundle said he believes things have now changed favourably for 2026 debutant Isack Hadjar.

A more stable, and forgiving culture at Red Bull could perhaps re-open the door for former drivers, as Brundle suggested the Milton Keynes team should have a look at the likes of Carlos Sainz or Pierre Gasly for a 2027 seat should Verstappen leave.