F1 pundit Marc Surer has warned Red Bull over the effects that a Max Verstappen departure would have on the team, asserting that the Austrian constructor would be ‘completely lost’ without him.
Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has been in question ever since he voiced his unhappiness with F1’s new regulations before the season began.
He’s found a break from those frustrations by racing in NLS GT3 during his spare time. There have even been suggestions he might take a break from Formula 1 altogether, or even retire.
Some within the paddock believe Verstappen’s remarks could be part of a wider strategy, hoping to push the FIA toward rule changes that better fit his preferences.
Meanwhile, an exit for Verstappen seems to be an active concern for Laurent Mekies, who recently spoke about how he hopes Red Bull’s upcoming Miami GP upgrade will help lift Verstappen’s spirits again.
Speaking to Total Motorsport, Marc Surer outlined how much of an impact Verstappen leaving would have not only on Red Bull but also on the sport as a whole.
Damon Hill recently suggested that Verstappen’s departure could hurt F1’s value, a view that Surer agrees with, especially given how vocal Verstappen has been about the changes.
Surer said: “If the best driver leaves the category, for a reason [like the new regulations], it would be very bad for the image of Formula 1.”
“I think we all agree he is the best at the moment in Formula 1, and if he walks away, it would be very bad for the image of Formula 1.”
Surer then turned his attention to Red Bull and what life without Verstappen might look like for them. He warned that losing their star driver mid-season would leave them in a difficult spot.
“It would be very unfair for the team if he leaves during the season,” Surer said. “So, I think he should finish this year, even if it hurts because it was his team and he won four championships with them.
“When there are bad times, it’s important to stick together and at least support them during this season because they need him. Without him, they’re completely lost.”
If Verstappen does end up leaving, it would create a significant gap at Red Bull that would be difficult for anyone on the current grid to fill.
Still, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have both been mentioned as potential options, with each already having ties to the team from earlier in their careers.
Red Bull reportedly see Albon as a viable option to replace his former teammate. There’s also been talk that Sainz is currently the frontrunner for the role. With Williams struggling early in the 2026 season, it wouldn’t be surprising if either driver was interested in joining a top-tier team again.
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