Jolyon Palmer names ideal Max Verstappen replacement at Red Bull if he leaves

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

Photo by: Artur Widak / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Palmer's co-host James Hinchcliffe added: "Well, he was my first thought as well, but I have a second, so I'll throw that one out there instead. Oscar Piastri. As much as I don't buy into the McLaren is Lando's team and favouritism and stuff, and never have, to the same extent, he's not been there as long, the loyalty might not be as deep.

"He joined that team when they weren't quite at the top of the pecking order and was a part of helping them get back to the top. So I don't think the idea of going to Red Bull in their current state would be terrifying.

"Maybe he relishes the idea of being in a team that does support a number one and number two driver format, and if that could be something worked into his contract, being the de facto number one at Red Bull. Is that as good or better than being equal number ones at a McLaren in the long term? Could be an interesting one."