The future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull remains uncertain. For Emerson Fittipaldi, a departure of the Dutchman could completely shake up the driver market.
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A few weeks before the championship resumes, Max Verstappen’s future continues to fuel speculation. Under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, the four-time world champion has still not officially confirmed that he will defend the Austrian team’s colors in 2027.
A situation closely linked to Red Bull’s disappointing performances since the start of this new regulatory era. The RB22 does not allow Verstappen to regularly fight for wins, and certain clauses in his contract could allow him to leave the team prematurely.
For Emerson Fittipaldi, such a scenario would have consequences far beyond simply replacing the Dutchman at Red Bull.
Verstappen remains very attached to Red Bull
Max Verstappen has been part of the Red Bull family since the beginning of his Formula 1 career. After his debut at Toro Rosso, he was promoted to the main team in 2016 and won his first Grand Prix with them, in Spain.
Since then, this collaboration has allowed him to win four world titles and become one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.
Fittipaldi therefore believes that this long shared history should not be overlooked when assessing the Dutchman’s intentions.
“It is always difficult to give an opinion on this kind of situation. I do not know exactly his relationship with the team nor what they are preparing for next season.”
The two-time world champion nevertheless has nothing but praise for Verstappen.
“Max has incredible talent. He is capable of carrying his car on his shoulders. I also think he is very loyal to his team, and that is something I appreciate.”
A loyalty that reminds of Fittipaldi
The Brazilian even draws a parallel with his own career. He explains that he always favored a certain stability when competing in Formula 1.
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“Personally, I have always liked to stay several years with the same team when possible. I feel that Max also has this loyalty.”
However, this loyalty does not guarantee that Verstappen will necessarily continue the adventure with Red Bull if the team does not quickly return to the front.
Despite a contract running until 2028, performance-related clauses would indeed allow the 28-year-old driver to be released earlier from his commitment.
“It would shake everyone up”
Fittipaldi therefore refuses to completely rule out the possibility of a departure.
“It is quite possible that he leaves. And if that happened, we would witness a real game of musical chairs. It would shake everyone up.”
The departure of a driver of Verstappen’s caliber could indeed free up a highly coveted spot at Red Bull, while triggering a chain reaction in the team that might decide to recruit him.
For Fittipaldi, this uncertainty is also part of the spectacle offered by Formula 1.
“I find this aspect of F1 exciting. Fans wonder who will drive where and which team will choose which driver. It is part of the sport.”
As Red Bull seeks to regain its competitiveness during the second half of the season, the RB22’s performance could therefore be crucial. Not only for Verstappen’s immediate results but also for a 2027 driver market that could be completely shaken up if the Dutchman ultimately decides to turn the Red Bull page.
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