Palmer cherry picks Verstappen’s likely replacement at Red Bull

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The rumblings around Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future continue to roll on – and now a bold theory has entered the chat.

Former Grand Prix driver turned pundit Jolyon Palmer believes that if Red Bull loses its talisman, the answer won’t come from within – but from one of the grid’s biggest stars.

With Verstappen openly frustrated by F1’s new regulations and languishing far from the front early in 2026, whispers of a shock exit from the sport before his current contract with the bulls expires at the end of 2028 are no longer far-fetched.

Add to that the impending departure of his trusted engineer GianPiero Lambiase, and the foundations at Red Bull Racing suddenly look less secure than ever.

Palmer is clear: Red Bull wouldn’t gamble on youth if Verstappen walks. Talents like Isack Hadjar or Arvid Lindblad may be waiting in the wings, but the F1 TV commentator sees a vacancy of this magnitude demanding proven firepower.

“Oh, for me if money is no object, probably Charles Leclerc,” Palmer said. “He’s been at Ferrari a long time. I think he’s supremely talented.”

Could Ferrari’s star really jump ship?

That’s where the speculation turns spicy. Leclerc has been Ferrari’s favourite son for years – but without a world title to show for his loyalty, questions linger about how long his patience can last.

“If Ferrari can’t show this year that they can be capable of winning the title, which they might do yet, I think he’s someone that could be tempted away,” Palmer added.

“Would he be tempted enough to go to Red Bull? We’re talking real hypotheticals here, but I still think there’s a title in him and I think he might be tempted.”

Read also:

Button: Verstappen won’t pause—he’ll walk away

It’s a scenario that feels unlikely – until it suddenly isn’t. Red Bull, even in a dip, remains a proven title-winning machine. And if Verstappen does decide he’s had enough, the seat he leaves behind could become the most coveted in the sport overnight.

For now, Leclerc continues to pledge loyalty to Ferrari. But in Formula 1, allegiance can shift as quickly as performance. And if Palmer’s prediction holds any weight, the Verstappen domino could trigger one of the biggest driver market shocks in years.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.