The future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing could trigger a major shake-up in the Formula 1 market. For the ex-driver and two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, a potential departure of the four-time champion would unleash a real “musical chairs” among the drivers.
Verstappen arrived at the August break in an irregular season, with four podiums and still without a victory. The Dutchman currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship, while problems with the rear wing’s active aerodynamic mechanism also hampered his campaign and caused him to lose important points.
In an interview with F1.com, Fittipaldi stressed that it is difficult to assess the situation without knowing the details of the relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull, as well as the team’s plans for the next season. The Brazilian, however, highlighted the driver’s ability to extract performance from the car: “Max is an incredible talent. He carries the car on his back,” he stated.
The two-time champion also highlighted Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull, a trait he views positively because it aligns with the idea of staying with the same team for many years. Still, Fittipaldi acknowledged that a team change cannot be ruled out.
“I think he has a great loyalty to the team, and I like that. I’ve always enjoyed racing for many years with one team, as much as I could. I think he has that loyalty, but possibly, he could leave,” he added.
In Fittipaldi’s view, a possible Verstappen exit would have consequences far beyond Red Bull itself: “If that happened, it would be a dance of chairs. It will move everyone on the grid,” he concluded, adding that the ambiguity about who will occupy each seat is exactly one of the things that makes the driver market interesting for fans.
