Who could replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull?

Max Verstappen has become synonymous with Red Bull’s dominance in Formula 1. The three-time world champion has cemented himself as not only the face of the team but also the current benchmark in the sport. Yet, despite the apparent harmony between driver and team, questions linger about Verstappen’s future. What happens if he leaves? Who could step into that massive void?

It’s not a question many Red Bull fans want to entertain, but there have been hints all over the place that the Dutchman is not happy with his current situation.

Firstly, Verstappen been vocal about his issues with Red Bull's machinery, labelling their car an "undriveable monster" after he finished sixth in the Italian GP in September 2024.

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Verstappen and his father Jos have also not exactly been on the best terms with Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner, with the elder Verstappen most recently calling out Horner for his lack of leadership at the team, as per the BBC.

There is a chance he might just retire from the sport entirely, after voicing his frustrations with the institution after getting sanctioned by the FIA for swearing during a Singapore GP press conference. Verstappen hinted that he would be willing to walk if he continues to face such scrutiny.

"These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things," he stated. "I’m now at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring," he said, as reported by The Independent.

At 27, it seems unthinkable that Verstappen would even consider retiring, but as Red Bull racing director Helmut Marko told Motorsport Total: "You have to take Max seriously. He has achieved a great deal, but it is important to him that he also enjoys the whole sport. If that is increasingly spoiled for him, then he is of a character that when he says: 'Okay, that's it.' He means it seriously."

So if push comes to shove and Max decides he's had enough of Red Bull or Formula 1 entirely, who could possibly fill the enormous void he will inevitably leave behind?

Lando Norris is one of the most exciting talents on the grid today, and his name frequently comes up when discussing Verstappen’s potential successor. The young Brit has shown flashes of brilliance at McLaren, despite not having the machinery to challenge for wins consistently. His performances, particularly in wet conditions or tricky races, have earned him high praise from fans and pundits alike.

Red Bull has a history of seeking out young, hungry drivers, and Norris fits that profile perfectly. Plus, his easy-going personality would blend well with Red Bull’s team culture, as The Race highlights. If Red Bull wants a driver who can handle the pressure of stepping into Verstappen’s shoes while also bringing a long-term commitment to the team, Norris could be their guy.

However, the complication comes with McLaren’s own resurgence. Norris has committed to the team until 2025, and McLaren seems to be heading in a positive direction. Whether Red Bull can lure him away from a project he’s invested in remains to be seen, but in the cutthroat world of F1, anything is possible.

Another driver who could fill Verstappen’s spot is Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver has been in a bit of a limbo at Ferrari, a team that has struggled to provide a consistently competitive car in recent seasons. Leclerc has made no secret of his desire to fight for championships, and if Ferrari continues to falter, Red Bull could present a very tempting alternative.

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As Sportskeeda notes, Leclerc’s raw speed, coupled with his experience at the front of the grid, makes him an ideal candidate for Red Bull. He’s not only shown he can challenge Verstappen in the past, but he also has the hunger to win. Pairing Leclerc with Red Bull’s formidable engineering team could be a match made in heaven.

However, much like Norris, prying Leclerc away from Ferrari would be no easy task. Leclerc has a strong connection with Ferrari, and the team will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail to keep their golden boy, who is signed until at least 2026, though actual details of his contract are not publicly known. But if the frustration of not winning continues to mount, Leclerc might see Red Bull as his best shot at fulfilling his championship dreams.

While the likes of Norris and Leclerc may grab headlines, Yuki Tsunoda presents an intriguing option from within Red Bull’s own camp. Tsunoda, currently driving for Red Bull’s sister team RB (formerly AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso) has steadily improved since his debut in 2021.

As The Race highlights, Red Bull has a history of promoting from within, with both Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel rising through the ranks of Toro Rosso before becoming Red Bull’s stars.

Tsunoda’s close ties with Honda, which has openly supported Tsunoda since 2016 and who will continue to be involved with the Red Bull power unit program, make him a logical candidate. Honda has a strong influence within the Red Bull camp, and Tsunoda’s progression could see him earn a seat with the senior team if Verstappen leaves.

While the focus is often on more established stars, there are other drivers who could come into the mix. George Russell, currently with Mercedes, is another driver that Red Bull might consider.

Russell has proven he can go toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton, and according to ESPN, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has even hinted that Verstappen could potentially switch to Mercedes after 2026. If that happens, Russell’s place within Mercedes might be up in the air, opening the door for a move to Red Bull.

Similarly, Oscar Piastri is another name to watch. The Australian rookie has made waves in his debut season with McLaren, showing a maturity and speed that belies his lack of experience. Red Bull has never shied away from taking a chance on young talent, and Piastri could be the latest in a long line of bold moves by the team.

Replacing someone like Verstappen is never easy. He’s not just a driver; he’s the cornerstone of Red Bull’s current success. But Formula 1 has seen many stars come and go, and if there’s one thing the sport teaches us, it’s that no one is irreplaceable. Whether it’s Norris, Leclerc, Tsunoda, or someone else entirely, Red Bull will undoubtedly be prepared when the time comes... or at least that's what Christian Horner will say anyway.

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