Ex-F1 Driver Declares Max Verstappen’s Exit Will Send Red Bull ‘to the Back’

Max Verstappen‘s future in Formula 1 is at the center of attention right now. The Dutchman is believed to be interested in joining Mercedes despite having a valid contract with Red Bull till 2028. These rumors come at a time when Milton Keynes is going through a state of turmoil, with massive instability. Former F1 icon Riccardo Patrese reckons that Verstappen’s departure could be the final nail in the coffin for the Austrian team.

Since last year, reports have persisted that Max Verstappen could decide to jump ship to Mercedes. The Verstappen camp was unhappy with Christian Horner and the team’s downfall in performance. While Horner is now sacked from the team, rumors over Verstappen’s desire to join the Silver Arrows have not stopped. The Dutch driver even allegedly met Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Italy a few days ago.

Riccardo Patrese pointed out that Verstappen’s exit would be the final blow to Red Bull. The energy drinks giant already lost aero genius Adrian Newey to Aston Martin last year. Now, if Max Verstappen were to leave, Milton Keynes would be stuck on Yuki Tsunoda‘s level of performance, which would push them to the back of the grid. The reigning world champion has scored 165 points this year, with Red Bull’s overall tally at just 172.

Well, if Adrian Newey is not there anymore and Verstappen is leaving, then the level of Red Bull is what [Yuki] Tsunoda shows. And where is Tsunoda? In the back.

Riccardo Patrese told Prime Casino

The Italian pointed out that Verstappen had been outdriving the car at Milton Keynes for a while now. If Red Bull fails to get someone of his caliber to replace him in such a scenario, they would remain stuck at the end of the field.

And then if you don’t have a driver like Max who can make the difference, then Red Bull will be at the back.

Riccardo Patrese added

2026 to be Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s biggest test without Adrian Newey

Adrian Newey was instrumental in making Red Bull Racing a dominant force in Formula 1. The aero genius had designed every single championship-winning car for the energy drinks giant. His switch to Aston Martin was a big blow to Max Verstappen and his team. Now, 2026 will serve as the first real test of the Austrian giant’s new technical structure.