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Jolyon Palmer names ideal Max Verstappen replacement at Red Bull if he leaves
TL;DR
Jolyon Palmer suggests Charles Leclerc as the ideal replacement for Max Verstappen at Red Bull if he leaves. Verstappen is considering his future amid dissatisfaction with new regulations and changes in his engineering team.
Key points
- Jolyon Palmer names Charles Leclerc as Verstappen's ideal replacement
- Verstappen is unhappy with the 2026 regulations
- Verstappen's race engineer is leaving for McLaren
Mentioned in this story
Jolyon PalmerMax VerstappenCharles LeclercRed BullMcLaren
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Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Charles Leclerc should be at the top of Red Bull's wishlist if four-time champion Max Verstappen were to leave.
The Dutchman has openly criticised the new regulations, which were introduced in 2026, initially describing them as "Formula E on steroids". While tweaks to the regulations are being introduced, Verstappen has admitted that he is considering his options at the end of the year.
In addition to not enjoying the new regulations so far, Verstappen's long-term race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has signed with McLaren from 2028 at the latest. After the Red Bull driver previously stated that he would not work with any other race engineer, his future at Red Bull has once again come under the spotlight.
While discussing the implications of Lambiase's upcoming exit from Red Bull, Palmer explained that if he were team principal Laurent Mekies and if money was no object, he would approach Ferrari's Charles Leclerc first.
"If money was no object, Charles Leclerc. He's been at Ferrari a long time. I think he's supremely talented. I think he's shown that," the former driver and F1 TV presenter said on the F1 Nation Podcast.
"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. 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."
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Q&A
Why is Max Verstappen considering leaving Red Bull?
Max Verstappen is considering leaving Red Bull due to his dissatisfaction with the new regulations introduced in 2026 and the departure of his long-time race engineer.
Who does Jolyon Palmer believe should replace Verstappen at Red Bull?
Jolyon Palmer believes Charles Leclerc should be Red Bull's top choice to replace Max Verstappen if he decides to leave.
What changes are affecting Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull?
Changes affecting Verstappen's future include his criticism of the new regulations and the signing of his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase with McLaren.