F1 Legend Names the Perfect Replacement for Max Verstappen as He Takes a Subtle Dig at Sergio Perez’s Inconsistency

“You’ve had a very fast unemployed driver win today. The market is reasonably fluid with certain drivers. Carlos is the only driver that’s beaten Red Bull [in the last two years], so he appears to be our nemesis,” said Christian Horner when Carlos Sainz won the 2024 Australian GP. And while the rumor mill is ripe about Carlos’ options, an F1 legend has chimed in to nudge Red Bull in the Spanish driver’s direction if the worst were to happen.

Mercedes, who until yesterday was a sworn enemy of Max Verstappen (for obvious reasons), has been trying to court the reigning champion to woo him to Brackley. Max’s father had predicted the team’s downfall when the infamous Christian Horner news came out. Subsequently, it was announced that the alchemist who had brought in two phases of dominance for Milton Keynes, Adrian Newey, was set to leave Red Bull.

One may be left wondering if Max is next. Ex-F1 driver and legend Juan Pablo Montoya has given his advice to the supposedly crumbling team if the Dutch Lion decides to bid adieu. In his newly launched show, Montoya said that this team should incorporate [Carlos] Sainz in the face of a possible departure of Verstappen. With Carlos’ current form, it may seem like a safe bet if Max decides to move on.

Analyzing the current situation in the category, the Colombian driver spoke about Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Checo Pérez. Though he avoided comparing himself to Checo, he appreciated his career but also pointed out that “what he has done I did in 5 years and we never had the best car.” For context, the Mexican driver has been in F1 since 2011 and in the best car since 2021.

But amidst this chaotic rumor mill, Verstappen has declared he was on his whims.

“I decide what I do” Max Verstappen stated that he doesn’t need anyone’s permission

The Imola GP scheduled this weekend directly clashes with the virtual 24 hours of Nurburgring. Why is this information relevant? Because Max Verstappen is participating in both of these challenges. When asked if he asked for his team’s permission, especially amidst all the rumors he blatantly replied that he decides what he does.

Verstappen said, “Did I have to ask permission? No, ultimately, I decide what I do. I also can’t decide for other people what to do on a Saturday evening. People can go somewhere to eat or drink and do crazy things. It’s my free time. I am professional enough to see for myself what is and is not possible.” 

While this may point towards his ‘free will’ even in other subjects, there is still much up in the air regarding Red Bull’s future. Do you think Max would leave Red Bull and look for other avenues?