Verstappen Red Bull exit tipped to trigger F1 driver market ‘musical chairs’

The four-time world champion has endured an up-and-down season so far, claiming four podiums but still searching for his first victory, despite coming close in Austria. His campaign has also been affected by a series of incidents caused by issues with the rear wing active aero mechanism, some of which have cost him valuable points in the championship. Verstappen currently sits sixth in the standings heading into the summer break.

Speaking to F1.com, the Brazilian admitted that it is difficult to assess Verstappen’s situation without knowing the details of his relationship with Red Bull or the team’s plans for next year. Fittipaldi praised Verstappen’s ability to extract more from the car and highlighted the strong loyalty he has shown towards Red Bull, something he particularly appreciates given his own preference for spending several years with the same team.

“It’s always difficult to give an opinion on what’s going on. I don’t know his relationship. I don’t know what they are doing for next year. Max is an incredible talent. He carries his car on his back.”

However, he acknowledged that a departure remains possible and believes such a move would trigger a game of musical chairs across the grid, potentially reshaping the driver market and creating further uncertainty over where several drivers could end up.

Mika Hakkinen believes replacing Oscar Piastri with Verstappen would create more problems than benefits for McLaren, potentially disrupting the stability and balance the team has worked hard to establish.

The Finn feels there would be little reason to change a driver line-up that already features two highly competitive drivers, particularly when maintaining harmony within the team can play such an important role in achieving long-term success.

Hakkinen pointed to McLaren’s approach of prioritising the strength of the overall package rather than focusing solely on individual talent. In his view, a strong team spirit and a stable working environment are fundamental to success, meaning introducing another major personality into an already functioning partnership could represent an unnecessary risk. He also drew on his own lengthy partnership with David Coulthard at McLaren as an example of the value of continuity when there is a good relationship between team-mates.