Power Struggles at Red Bull: Is Max Verstappen’s Departure Imminent?
Kosport Magazine – Power Struggles at Red Bull: Is Max Verstappen’s Departure Imminent?
The Formula 1 world has been buzzing with rumors of a potential shock departure of Red Bull’s prized asset, Max Verstappen. Just weeks ago, this would have been unthinkable, but now it seems like a real possibility.
According to reports, Verstappen may be considering activating certain exit clauses in his contract to leave before the end of his deal in 2028. This has put rival teams, including Mercedes and Aston Martin, on high alert.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has openly stated that Verstappen would be his number one target to replace Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving the Silver Arrows for Ferrari. Aston Martin is also rumored to be interested in Verstappen, with an offer to Red Bull’s star designer Adrian Newey and Honda engines for 2026.
Since Hamilton’s departure announcement, numerous drivers and their managers have expressed interest in the vacant Mercedes seat. However, Wolff has made it clear that he will take his time in making a decision, as it all depends on what Verstappen decides to do.
“As much as we were taken aback by Lewis’ decision so quickly, now I really want to take my time,” Wolff told Kosport Magazine. “We have a slot free, the only one in the top teams – unless [Verstappen] decides he goes, then the slot is not going to be free with us anymore.”
Wolff also mentioned that there are several interesting options for Mercedes, from young talents to experienced drivers. But ultimately, it all depends on Verstappen’s decision.
In the meantime, Red Bull is facing power struggles within the team, which may be a contributing factor to Verstappen’s potential departure. With all the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future, it’s clear that the F1 world is in for a wild ride.
Kosport Magazine – Power Struggles at Red Bull: Is Max Verstappen’s Departure Imminent?
Wolff: Mercedes F1 Relationship with Verstappen “Needs to Happen at a Certain Stage”
As the 2024 Formula 1 season continues to unfold, the speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull Racing only grows stronger. And while many are wondering where the young superstar will end up, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that a partnership between Verstappen and Mercedes “needs to happen at a certain stage.”
While it remains to be seen if Mercedes protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the “very young super talent” Wolff mentions, will even be ready for an early promotion after a single season of F2, Verstappen’s impasse is also having a snowball effect on current drivers eyeing the seat. The likes of Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, and Alex Albon have all been touted as possible replacements.
Sainz’s case is the most pressing, as unlike his aforementioned colleagues he doesn’t have the option of staying where he is. Sainz was collateral damage in Ferrari’s audacious push for Hamilton and is now actively looking for a job.
The Spaniard’s stock has risen in recent years thanks to his tenacious performances alongside Charles Leclerc, emphasised by impressive wins in Singapore last year and most recently in Melbourne, the only non-Red Bull driver to win grands prix over the past 500 days.
Carlos Sainz Emerges as a Top Contender for Verstappen’s Seat
Initially, Verstappen seems to dictate which top seat remains open for Sainz to slot into. If Verstappen remains where he is and Mercedes goes for a different option, then Sainz is in a tricky position. The much-reported interest from Sauber, which will become Audi in two years, would then be his best bet, although it would inevitably present a risky downgrade in the short term.
But Sainz has now also emerged as an option for Red Bull’s second seat of Sergio Perez. Intriguingly it was team boss Christian Horner – of all people – who brought up his name unprompted in Melbourne.
When asked about RB driver Yuki Tsunoda’s prospects of being promoted to the main team, Horner replied: “Look, Yuki’s a very quick driver, we know that. But I think we want to field the best pairing that we can in Red Bull Racing. And sometimes you’ve got to look outside the pool as well.
“You’ve had a very fast, unemployed driver win today’s race, so the market is reasonably fluid with certain drivers. Based on a performance like that [from Sainz] you couldn’t rule any possibility out.”
Regardless of whether Red Bull will have one or two seats to fill, incumbent Perez has so far done what he needed to do to strengthen his case. Add the apparent lack of momentum behind Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo’s tough start to 2024, and Perez’s odds appear to have improved.
“Obviously Checo was compromised [in the Australian GP],” commented Horner. “He’s had a great start to the season too, so we’re not in any desperate rush.”
Alonso’s Future Also Affected by Verstappen’s Decision
Alonso similarly seems affected by Verstappen’s decision, as he is currently without a team for the 2024 season. The two-time world champion has been linked to a potential return to Ferrari, but with Verstappen’s future still uncertain, it’s unclear if there will be a spot for him.
But regardless of where Verstappen ends up, it’s clear that his decision will have a major impact on the rest of the grid. And as the season progresses, the speculation and rumors will only continue to grow until the young superstar makes his decision.
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Alonso Takes Control of His Destiny in F1
As the 2021 Formula 1 season comes to a close, the driver market is heating up with rumors and speculations about who will end up where. One of the biggest names in the mix is two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who is currently driving for Alpine. Many have been speculating about Verstappen‘s fate, with options ranging from staying with Aston Martin, targeting Mercedes or Red Bull, or even retiring from F1 altogether.
But Alonso is not one to let others dictate his destiny. At 42 years old, he has always been in control of his own career, making decisions on when to join a team, when to leave, and even when to come back to F1 after a brief hiatus. And he plans to continue this trend as he considers his options for next season.
“I will not follow what others do and let them dictate my destiny,” Alonso stated confidently. “For better or for worse, I will make my own choices. That’s just who I am.”
The Domino Effect
Alonso’s decision will have a domino effect on the rest of the driver market, with other big names like Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly also considering their options. And with up and coming talents like Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman also in the mix, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the musical chairs of F1 will play out.
But one thing is for sure, Alonso’s decision will be a major factor in shaping the grid for the 2022 season. Will he stay with Alpine? Will he make a move to a top team? Or will he surprise everyone and retire from F1 altogether? Only time will tell.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
As the driver market continues to heat up, all eyes are on Fernando Alonso and his next move. But one thing is certain, he will not let others dictate his destiny. Whether he stays with Alpine or makes a move to a top team, Alonso will continue to be in control of his own career. And as the dominoes fall, it will be fascinating to see how the rest of the grid shapes up for the 2022 season.
