Max Verstappen ‘replacement’ identified as Red Bull F1 future cast into speculation
Max Verstappen has admitted that he is considering his Formula 1 future as a result of new FIA rules and regulations and a torrid start to the season with Red Bull
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Max Verstappen has struggled this season(Image: Getty)
David Croft has pinpointed Carlos Sainz as a possible emergency replacement for Max Verstappen should the Dutch-Belgian decide to end his Formula 1 career. Verstappen has become visibly frustrated with fresh FIA rules and regulations introduced for 2026, insisting that the enjoyment has been drained from racing as he struggles with Red Bull.
In a shocking interview with the BBC after his eighth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, the 28-year-old 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?”
He added: “I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I’m very realistic in that, and I’ve been there before.
“I’ve not only been winning in F1, but at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver. Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race.
“It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do. And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion.”
Now, Croft has revealed that Sainz could consider returning to Red Bull should Verstappen choose to walk away from the sport this season. Speaking on the F1 Show Podcast alongside Natalie Pinkham and Martin Brundle, he said: “I think Martin’s right. Red Bull, if Max goes, would be an option – and I’m sure an attractive option – for Carlos.”
However, the pundit noted that the team may not be short of potential replacements for Verstappen. He continued: “But there are other drivers who are out of contract at the end of this year that Red Bull could be courting as well.
“And I suppose it depends, as well, how many frying pans and fires does he want to jump in and out of. There might be a spot at Aston Martin going, and if Aston Martin and Honda can solve three quarters of their issues this year and go into next year with a much more competitive package, that then becomes an attractive option for a driver. But once again, there will be other drivers that might be in the frame for that.”
Currently racing for Williams and positioned 14th in the F1 standings following three rounds, Sainz previously spent time with Red Bull’s junior programme between 2010 and 2015 before progressing to Toro Rosso – where he teamed up with Verstappen following Daniil Kvyat’s promotion to Red Bull.
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Max Verstappen’s F1 future has been cast into doubt(Image: Getty)
Since then, Sainz has raced for Renault, McLaren and Ferrari before joining Williams in 2025, where he presently drives alongside Alex Albon. This season, Sainz has yet to secure a victory or podium finish, accumulating just two points.
He recorded 15th-place finishes in Australia and Japan, along with ninth in China. Next up for the 31-year-old is the Miami Grand Prix, which takes place at the Miami International Autodrome on Sunday, 3 May.
