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Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen handed 'not an option' verdict as Red Bull and Mercedes uncertainty intensifies

Max Verstappen is weighing up his F1 future, but one potential reality for the Dutchman has been branded "not an option" by Riccardo Patrese.

Verstappen Silverstone
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Riccardo Patrese insists Max Verstappen racing an uncompetitive Red Bull is "not an option", predicting the Dutchman will pursue a Mercedes switch despite Christian Horner leaving the Milton Keynes squad.

The speculation surrounding the four-time F1 drivers' champion's future has reached fever pitch in recent weeks, something further exacerbated by the surprise departure of the now-former Red Bull team principal.

Dismissing Horner appears to have been part of a bid to convince Verstappen to stay and honour his existing contract at the six-time constructors' champions, which runs until the end of 2028.

However, former F1 driver Patrese believes the 27-year-old will seek pastures new, regardless of recent developments at his current team.

The six-time grand prix winner emphasised the confusion surrounding the energy drinks-backed outfit.

“It is really difficult to understand what's going on in Red Bull," the 71-year-old Italian told Prime Casino.

"Firstly, the Horner business was a surprise. We knew that there were problems inside the team. Now this news of Max, who seems to want to go to Mercedes. This has to be a possibility.

"The big thing is that Adrian Newey is not there anymore. Why did he leave? Horner was, I think, a good team principal, but internally there were problems. So, in the end, I don't know if next year Red Bull can be a good team to be at."

'But for a driver like Max, that is not enough'

Patrese feels that uncertainty is pushing Verstappen towards the exit, in conjunction with the considerable pull factors coming from Mercedes.

The German marque is expected to have the strongest power unit next season, when F1 enters a new regulations era, as it did at the last engine reset, in 2014.

"For Max, this means he probably would like to change," the former Shadow, Arrows, Brabham, Alfa Romeo, Williams and Benetton driver said.

"And now, everybody says that the best option is Mercedes because they have the best new power unit. As it was the last time when the previous regulations came in, they immediately had a big advantage, and they won many championships.

"I believe that in his mind, if he can go and join Mercedes, he will. As things are now, I don't think he's very happy to stay in Red Bull."

Further strengthening Patrese's argument is that allies of the 65-time grand prix winner believe he will make the switch for 2026.

Although it has been widely contended that Verstappen may stay put for the rules overhaul next campaign, to best understand the new pecking order in F1 with a view to moving for 2027, Patrese does not think a season racing uncompetitive machinery is viable for the 27-year-old.

"I heard that there was also an interview with Nelson Piquet junior, whose sister is going out with Max," he explained. "And he said that he thinks that Max will go to Mercedes next year.

"For sure, the situation in Red Bull, from the technical point of view and an organisational point of view, is not the same team as some years ago. For a driver like Max to spend one year without a competitive car is not an option.

"Already this year, it’s only because of his ability that he has pole position, and sometimes he wins a grand prix. Max is what I saw in my era with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

“Even with a situation where their team is not the top team, they can still win races and maybe go for a championship. But for a driver like Max, that is not enough. He definitely thinks it is time to make a move. But then what happens at Mercedes, if he goes there, that is another problem."

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look ahead to this weekend's F1 Belgian Grand Prix. Red Bull's new chapter is a major talking point following the arrival of Laurent Mekies, as is the fight for the drivers' title.

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