[Saba Sports News] Regarding Max Verstappen’s future plans, former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese recently stated bluntly that the confirmed move of his long-serving race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren likely means Verstappen will also leave Red Bull in the near future.
Patrese believes Verstappen is currently not in optimal form. Changes to the driving feel of the cars under the new regulations are diminishing the four-time F1 World Champion’s passion for racing. Previously, Verstappen has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the new-generation cars on multiple occasions, even hinting that he might quit Formula 1 if he no longer finds enjoyment in the sport.
Nevertheless, retirement is not his only option. Patrese analysed that if Verstappen stays in F1, a switch to Mercedes could be a highly appealing move, as Mercedes has already built up a competitive edge in the new regulatory era. As for a potential transfer, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remained cautious, stating that no negotiations have taken place regarding signing Verstappen.
In my opinion, from a competitive perspective, Verstappen has already secured landmark achievements in his career. With four F1 World Championship titles and long-term dominance on the grid, he holds greater initiative when deciding whether to stay in Formula 1. Meanwhile, his growing interest in GT racing also opens up more possibilities for his future career.