Between frustration over a car that isn’t performing and regulations that lack excitement, Martin Brundle attempts to outline the post-Verstappen scenario in Formula 1.
Martin Brundle, the Formula 1 commentator for UK television, has identified potential successors to Max Verstappen. The last Grand Prix, in Japan, ended with Ferrari back on the podium, marking Kimi Antonelli’s second consecutive victory, but above all, it concluded with a statement that is still making headlines.
The reference, of course, is to the words spoken by Max Verstappen, a driver who always commands attention when he speaks. For those who may not remember, at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix, the Dutchman admitted that he is considering retirement at the end of the season.
Max Verstappen and an unpredictable season
After years spent consistently as a frontrunner, we are now witnessing Max Verstappen “fighting” in the mid-field. In the first three races of the season, he has not once contested a pole position, let alone a race win. This is a new situation for him, and perhaps even more so for us spectators, who are gradually – or perhaps already – getting used to a dominance that is increasingly being challenged.
The difficulties are largely due to the new Red Bull car, not so much in terms of the power unit, which remains a strength, but rather due to the collective underperformance of various components. In this context, Isack Hadjar has benefited; aside from the retirement in Australia, he consistently finishes ahead of his teammate.
For the first time, we are seeing a less lopsided internal comparison. Certainly, the context is different from previous years, but ultimately, what remains – assuming the season continues in this pattern – are the statistics. Putting internal comparisons aside, Max Verstappen is considering leaving Formula 1, and there are several reasons to believe this scenario is plausible.
It is no secret that the four-time world champion has interests outside of competition, but not outside motorsport. His passion for races where pushing to the limit is essential, such as GT and Endurance events, is well-known. Recently, he even participated in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, finishing first on the track but later being disqualified for using one more set of tires than allowed.
Additionally, his contract contains a famous clause, revealed last year, which allows Max Verstappen to leave the Austrian team if he is not in the top two positions in the standings by the summer break.
Martin Brundle points to potential Verstappen successors
A potential departure of Max Verstappen opens up several points for discussion, particularly regarding the direction Formula 1 as a sport is taking. If the Dutchman were truly to leave the paddock, who could take his place?
Martin Brundle shared his opinion during The F1 Show, focusing exclusively on the Red Bull environment. He considered two drivers currently on the grid who have shared the garage with Verstappen: “If Red Bull needs a driver, they will have to consider someone like Carlos Sainz or Pierre Gasly. Excluding them just because they’ve already been there would be a mistake.”
The topic of Verstappen’s teammates has always been delicate. From Daniel Ricciardo onwards, many teammates struggled at Red Bull, only to relaunch their careers elsewhere. Examples include Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and even Alex Albon – recalled by Helmut Marko – who rediscovered himself at Williams.
It’s a complex issue that over time has highlighted that the problem wasn’t solely related to driver performance, but also to a “less healthy” sporting management approach, heavily focused on the Dutch driver.
Brundle also made a note on the current situation and how it benefits Hadjar: “I think Hadjar is lucky because he is in a comfortable position to make mistakes and learn, as is normal.”
Who could truly replace Verstappen?
Looking within Red Bull and among drivers who have worn the blue overalls, the most complete candidate to replace Verstappen is certainly Carlos Sainz. Outside the Milton Keynes team, Sainz has gained experience in several teams, always contributing his own value and helping the group work cohesively toward a single objective.
Furthermore, he spent four seasons at Ferrari, achieving notable success. He earned five pole positions and four victories, including one in 2023, the only one not claimed by Max Verstappen during a season of absolute dominance. That year, he also finished ahead of Charles Leclerc, sparking debates about the Monegasque driver’s talent and whether Ferrari truly needed him.
Looking at the rest of the grid, other names could be considered for Red Bull. Among these, while staying in top teams, are George Russell and Oscar Piastri. Both – particularly the Australian Piastri – have the cool temperament that aligns with the team’s philosophy. Even so, considering that the historical faces like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are no longer as dominant, this is a discussion that would require further evaluation.
In any case, the situation remains incomplete and uncertainty reigns. Much will depend on how the season unfolds, updates to the car, and any potential changes to sporting regulations.
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