Ex-Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese can well imagine that Max Verstappen won’t be driving for Red Bull in the premier motorsport class for much longer.
“We know that he has decided to stay at Red Bull for another season to find out who does best under the new rules,” the Italian told Grosvenor Casinos. “If he finds that Red Bull cannot offer him a competitive car, he will move to another team where he can fight for the title.”
Verstappen, who is struggling with the new Formula 1 rules, is experiencing “a frustrating season,” said Patrese, “but I think before he leaves Formula 1 he would like to try again to drive a competitive car and maybe aim for his fifth world championship title.”
Mercedes is once again considered a possible transfer destination for the superstar. However, the wind has recently changed for the Silver Arrows. The car is strong, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are probably in a duel for the world championship crown.
“Kimi and Russell both have the chance to win the championship. One of them will become world champion this season,” said Patrese. In his opinion, this is not a major problem for Verstappen.
Max Verstappen “still the best driver in Formula 1”
The Dutchman is “still the best driver in Formula 1,” emphasized Patrese, and then he only has a reigning world champion as a teammate.
According to Patrese, it is also fundamentally conceivable that Verstappen would say goodbye to Formula 1 completely and say: “‘I’ve had enough, I’m going fishing now!'”
The 71-year-old believes that this would be a serious blow for the racing series. “We cannot lose Max from Formula 1 because he is the driver who makes the show so much better. F1 needs a driver like Max. It cannot afford to lose him,” warned Patrese.
