F1 driver market prediction made: 'Everybody wants Verstappen'

Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese believes every team is keen to field Max Verstappen amid uncertainty over his future with Red Bull.

Verstappen has cast his F1 future into doubt in recent months, voicing his displeasure with the new-for-2026 cars.

However, Red Bull has also been operating off the front-running pace across the opening three rounds of the campaign and has been unable to even challenge for a podium finish.

The exodus of major Red Bull personnel continued with the revelation earlier this month that Verstappen's long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren in 2028.

It has led to suggestions that Verstappen could seek a move to join his ally at McLaren.

Speaking to BettingLounge, Patrese was asked if he saw the potential for a straight swap between Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, to which he replied: “There are so many rumours. If Max wants to change he easily can. 

“Everybody wants to have Max in the team. If Max wants to go to McLaren for sure one of the two leaves, maybe Piastri.”

Mercedes, Ferrari would 'find a place' for Verstappen

Verstappen has long been linked with a move to Mercedes, with team boss Toto Wolff publicly declaring his interest in working with the four-time champion.

Patrese has no doubt that Mercedes, as well as Ferrari, would move pieces around in order to get him in their team.

“If Max wants to go to Mercedes probably then it looks like it will probably be George [Russell] who goes. Kimi [Antonelli] is in a very good position for the championship,” he said.

“If Max wants to go to Ferrari probably, they can find a place for him there. For now, Ferrari have done a good job, at least in the first two Grand Prix. 

“They are happier because it's a new car and they hope that they can develop the project and be competitive to fight to win races. 

“But if they don’t win a driver will have to pay the price. And they will decide they have to change something. That may mean try to get Verstappen in. 

“But the trigger for any move is what Max decides to do. He is the first part of the puzzle. Then everything else moves.”