Who will replace Verstappen if he leaves F1?

By Tammi Fairbairn

Max Verstappen is a four-time World Champion who has continuously made significant contributions to Formula 1 through his aggressive driving and remarkable comebacks. However, his future in the sport is now uncertain.

Coming into the 2026 season, the F1 regulations introduced new power units and chassis that have not worked for the Red Bull driver.

After each race, Verstappen has raised his distaste for the new cars. When asked by BBC Sport whether he would consider walking away, he said,

“That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately, I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about, is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”

Whilst the Red Bull team has struggled to remain competitive this year, this is not the sole reason behind the shock news about his potential retirement.

Verstappen has started to find thrills in other motorsport championships. Most recently competing in a GT3 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in April.

To add to the rumours of his retirement, Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is set to leave Red Bull and move to rivals McLaren come the end of 2028. GP (as he’s most known by) has been by Verstappen’s side since the day the Dutchman joined. But can the two be separated for results to be great?

Who are the candidates for his seat?

Arvid Lindblad
The only rookie on the grid this year is currently 11th in the driver standings, while Racing Bulls are just one place behind Red Bull in the Constructor Championship. The young Briton has impressed everyone with his performance.

Red Bull is known for promoting young drivers from their academy and placing them directly into competitive senior seats. However, we have also seen how cutthroat Red Bull are with that second seat, if you are not performing, you are out.

Charles Leclerc
If the board at Red Bull look for a more senior driver, Charles Leclerc possesses all the right qualities. The Ferrari driver could have won a championship multiple times, but the Italian team have let him down with poor strategy and downgraded machinery.

At 28 years old, many in the paddock are hopeful about his ability to compete for a world title, provided he is given the right equipment.

Although he has remained loyal to the Italina team, the question remains: if the opportunity arises, will Leclerc switch teams?

Carlos Sainz
The former Red Bull driver has many years of experience competing with the top three teams in Formula 1.

He mentored current World Champion Lando Norris during his rookie season and has accumulated several podium finishes while racing for McLaren and Ferrari.

His strong leadership skills could enhance his chances of securing that Red Bull seat.

Alex Albon
Max Verstappen’s former teammate, Alex Albon, has significantly improved as a driver compared to when he first joined Red Bull. He has successfully rebuilt his reputation and delivered several impressive performances while racing for Williams.

However, would Red Bull consider bringing back a driver who previously struggled to get good results?

Oscar Piastri

The Australian native has demonstrated impressive skills since joining McLaren, even leading the World Championship in 2025. It is reported that Christian Horner wanted to sign Piastri for the Red Bull Academy, but Alpine secured him first.

He is under contract with Mclaren until 2028, making him a potential replacement especially with GP leaving that same year.

Piastri possesses all the qualities of a World Champion, and with a manager like Mark Webber, we might see him transition from papaya to blue in the future.

It is hard to determine who Red Bull will choose to replace Verstappen. His absence will be a heavy miss in the sport from his sarcastic responses in press conferences to his outstanding overtakes on the track.