Fittipaldi: Verstappen Departure Could Trigger Driver Market Musical Chairs

Former world champion Emerson Fittipaldi believes Max Verstappen's potential Red Bull exit could set off a chain reaction across the Formula 1 driver market. While acknowledging the four-time champion's loyalty, Fittipaldi admitted a move remains possible and would reshape the grid. Meanwhile, fellow former champion Mika Hakkinen has cautioned McLaren against disrupting its harmony by pursuing the Dutchman.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's future is the biggest question mark of the 2026 season. With the Dutchman sixth in the standings and still winless despite four podiums, speculation is intensifying over the summer break. Any decision by the sport's biggest star would have cascading effects on team lineups across the grid.

The details:

• Fittipaldi told F1.com that Verstappen "carries his car on his back" and praised his loyalty to Red Bull, comparing it to his own preference for long-term team relationships.
• Despite that bond, the Brazilian conceded a departure is possible: "If that happened, it would be musical chairs. It's going to move everybody."
• Verstappen's 2026 campaign has been hindered by recurring rear wing active aero issues, costing him points in multiple incidents and leaving him without a win heading into the summer break.
• Hakkinen warned McLaren that replacing Oscar Piastri with Verstappen would "create more problems than benefits," arguing the team's current strength lies in its stable driver pairing.
• The Finn cited his own partnership with David Coulthard at McLaren as proof that continuity is fundamental to long-term success.

What's next:

Driver market speculation will likely intensify during the second half of the season as Verstappen's future remains unresolved. Teams across the grid know one major move could force rapid reshuffling for 2027. For now, Verstappen remains tied to Red Bull, but the growing chatter suggests the second half of the year could bring major surprises.