The future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing could trigger a major shake-up in the Formula 1 market. For the former driver and two-time champion of the category, Emerson Fittipaldi, a possible departure of the four-time champion would unleash a true ‘musical chairs’ among the drivers.
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Verstappen reached the August break in an inconsistent season, with four podiums and still no wins. The Dutchman currently occupies sixth place in the drivers’ championship, while problems with the active rear wing aerodynamic mechanism also harmed his campaign and caused the driver to lose important points.
In an interview with F1.com, Fittipaldi emphasized that it is difficult to assess the situation without knowing the details of the relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull, as well as the team’s plans for the next season. The Brazilian, however, highlighted the driver’s ability to extract performance from the car: “Max is an incredible talent. He carries the car on his back,” he said.
The two-time champion also highlighted the loyalty shown by Verstappen to Red Bull, a characteristic he considers positive as he identifies with the idea of staying many years with the same team. Still, Fittipaldi acknowledged that a team change cannot be ruled out.
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“I think he has great loyalty to the team, and I like that. I have always liked to race many years in one team, as long as I could. I think he has that loyalty, but possibly, he might leave,” he added.
In Fittipaldi’s opinion, a possible departure of Verstappen would have consequences far beyond Red Bull itself: “If that happened, it would be a musical chairs. It will move everyone on the grid,” he concluded, adding that the uncertainty about who will occupy each seat is precisely one of the parts that make the driver market interesting for fans.
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