Why Formula 1 cannot afford to lose Max Verstappen

Former Grand Prix winner, Patrese, believes the situation now hinges on the FIA and how quickly it can address concerns around the new generation of cars and power units: “Max has already said, if I don't have fun I can go racing in other places. First of all, let’s see what the FIA says it has to put on the table to make things better. I hope they have the right cards to make the drivers happy.”

At the centre of Verstappen’s dissatisfaction, Patrese believes, is the competitiveness of the Red Bull package, particularly with the new power unit era looming: “Max is not happy because the engine is not really working. Red Bull and Ford have a lot of ground to make up to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari.”

That deficit could become decisive as Verstappen weighs his future, especially given his contractual flexibility. Patrese underlined the stakes: “We know that he decided to stay at Red Bull for one season so he could assess who was best under the new rules.”

“If he sees the Red Bull can’t give him a competitive car, he will go to another team where he can be in championship contention. At least he did not sign a three or four-year contract with Red Bull.”

While speculation around a potential exit has intensified, Patrese believes Verstappen would first seek another title challenge elsewhere before stepping away from the sport entirely.

He made that clear: “It’s a frustrating season but I think before leaving Formula 1, he would like to try to have another competitive car and maybe go for his fifth championship.”

Even so, the possibility of a sudden departure cannot be dismissed. Patrese warned: “Max has already had a lot of satisfaction with what he has achieved. Maybe he’ll now say, ‘That’s it, I have had enough, I’ll go fishing!’ He is a very strong character; if he gets upset, he could well go away.”

The consequence for the sport would be severe: “No, we cannot lose Max from Formula 1 because he is the driver who makes the show so much better. F1 needs a driver like Max. They cannot afford to lose him.”

Patrese was adamant and reinforced the point: “But F1 cannot afford to lose him, and F1 fans can’t afford to lose Verstappen from the show.”

Should Verstappen decide to move, Patrese believes Mercedes remains the most logical destination, even with an already strong lineup in place: “A year ago, we were talking about Max going to Mercedes and who would make way; Russell or Antonelli? I said if I was Toto, at that particular time, I should keep Russell because Kimi was going through a hard time and making mistakes.”

Since then, the situation has evolved. Patrese noted: “Fortunately, Max didn't go to Mercedes and Kimi had the opportunity and he’s matured now. Kimi and Russell, they have the possibility to win the championship. One of those two will be world champion this season.”

That creates an unusual dynamic if Verstappen arrives. The Italian motorsport veteran explained: “At that point, if Max wants to go there, I think he can go there because he's still the best driver in Formula 1. So, at the end, whoever his teammate is, will be the current world champion. Whether it is Russell or Kimi, we will see.”

As Formula 1 navigates a turbulent transition into its new era, Patrese’s assessment underlines a growing reality: Verstappen’s next move could define not only the title fight, but the direction and appeal of the sport itself. (Quotes supplied by Grosvenor Casino)