Racing Bulls highlight 'many unknowns' if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull

Alan Permane insists that any decision by Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull would have no bearing on Racing Bulls.

The Faenza-based squad's team principal also pointed out that "there are too many unknowns" to speculate on what influence a potential move would have on the F1 driver market.

Verstappen's future has been one of the dominant storylines of the season, amid persistent reports of the four-time F1 drivers' champion edging closer and closer to the door at Milton Keynes.

Sitting seventh in the standings after 10 rounds, the Dutchman can activate a performance-related exit clause in his contract — which runs until the end of 2028 —  to leave for pastures new as early as the end of the campaign.

McLaren has emerged as the most credible destination of late, with rumours suggesting any deal could involve a swap with Oscar Piastri.

However, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen have both publicly denied such negotiations are taking place.

With Racing Bulls the proving ground for emerging Red Bull talent, Permane was asked about the potential impact of Verstappen's departure on the six-time constructors' champion's sister operation.

"Well, on my team it'll have no impact because he doesn't drive for me, so I think that's a question for Laurent [Mekies], really," the Briton told media, including RacingNews365, who was keen to stress that the matter sits firmly with Red Bull boss.

"Max doesn't drive for me, and it'll be up to Laurent to decide his drivers for next season," the 59-year-old added.

Too many moving parts

The Racing Bulls boss did, however, indicate a willingness to support the promotion of one of his current drivers, Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad, should Mekies deem either ready for the step up to Red Bull.

"If he really believes Liam or Arvid is ready to take that challenge, then of course we'll be right there and ready to support that," Permane added.

Such a promotion would, in turn, free a seat at Racing Bulls, with Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, currently competing in Formula 2 with Campos Racing, the most obvious candidate to fill any vacancy, and has been declared "next in line" by Permane himself.

While the prospect of internal reshuffling is straightforward enough in theory, Permane pointed to the complexity of the wider driver market as a reason to avoid speculation.

A Verstappen move to McLaren, as mentioned, could see Piastri head to Red Bull rather than either Lawson or Lindblad stepping up.

Equally, Verstappen may simply choose to stay, as he and senior Red Bull figures have repeatedly indicated.

Permane concluded: "But I don't want to speculate on which one it could be, or if Max moves to another team, would he swap with a driver from another team? I think there are too many unknowns."