Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Max Verstappen’s replacement is on the current grid, just not in the places many would expect.
Since Bahrain’s pre-season tests, Verstappen has made his distaste for the F1 regulation changes well-documented. From labelling the regulations ‘anti-racing’ and ‘Formula E on steroids’ amongst other creative insults, it’s safe to say the Dutchman has not been enjoying racing this season.
After three rounds, Red Bull currently sits sixth in the Standings, with Verstappen down in ninth for the Drivers’ Championship. This poor start to the season, combined with the ‘disappointing’ regulation changes, left Verstappen hinting at an early retirement. Following the Japanese GP, the Dutchman stated he was “not enjoying the sport.” Prompting him to toss up what means more to him, racing in F1, or spending time with his friends and family away from the sport.
Alongside this, it was confirmed that Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, would leave Red Bull in 2027 for a new role at McLaren. This move and the pair’s close relationship has left many wondering if this could be an early sign of retirement for the four-time World Champion.
Despite this, neither Red Bull nor Verstappen have yet to confirm their plans as a pair.
Palmer’s pick for Max Verstappen replacement
Hypothetically speaking, if Verstappen were to retire, Palmer believes his replacement wouldn’t be a Red Bull Junior. Whilst Hadjar and Lindblad have proved their skills, Palmer believes Red Bull needs an established driver at the helm.
Enter Ferrari’s golden boy, eight-time Grand Prix winner, Charles Leclerc.
“Oh, for me if money no object, probably Charles Leclerc,” Palmer told the F1 Nation podcast.
“He’s been at Ferrari a long time. I think he’s supremely talented.”
Despite being at Ferrari for eight seasons, the Monegasque has only eight victories to show for it. The Scuderia are one of F1’s most prestigious teams. However, if Red Bull can prove to be a championship-fighting team, Palmer believes Leclerc could be tempted.
“If Ferrari can’t show this year that they can be capable of winning the title, which they might do yet, I think he’s someone that could be tempted away.
Would he be tempted enough to go to Red Bull? We’re talking real hypotheticals here, but I still think there’s a title in him and I think he might be tempted.”
Charles Leclerc remains loyal to Ferrari
Despite Palmer’s claims, Leclerc has repeatedly denied rumours that he will leave Ferrari. Last year at the United States GP, the Monegasque highlighted his love for his team, emphasising he does not want to leave Ferrari. Rather, Leclerc hopes to remain in red until he inevitably retires.
“What I can say is what I’ve always said, and that’s very clear,” Leclerc mentioned last year.
“I’ve always loved Ferrari so much, and my only obsession at the moment is to win in red. Whether it’s now or in the future. And I want to bring Ferrari back to the top.
“There are lots of speculations around me. But just in general, around the team for whatever reason. I feel like there are too many people speaking things not coming from actual facts, and it’s just a little bit annoying.
Ferrari has been the only team this year able to withstand a challenge against the Mercedes duo. Whilst not claiming a race victory, the second-place Constructors’ team could change that when F1 heads to Miami.
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