Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone believes Max Verstappen will replace Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli when he leaves Red Bull.
Verstappen’s F1 Future remains a hot topic despite being signed with Red Bull until the end of 2028.
Verstappen claimed he was happy with the Red Bull – but competitive cars are his main priority.
Red Bull has won two of the two of the last 16 races in Formula 1, as McLaren rose to the top of the sport.
Verstappen added his fourth world title to his resume late last year, but another 2025 world championship seems unlikely.
Verstappen is sitting eight points ahead of Landnoris, heading for the second round of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
The Dutch may be considering his future for Red Bull’s on-track format.
Another factor could be a Red Bull management decision, with Verstappen unhappy with the decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two races.
Ecclestone, who has run the sport for over 40 years, sees Verstappen, replacing Mercedes’ Antoneri if he decides to leave Red Bull.
In an interview with Blick, Ecclestone said:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolf wanted to sign Verstappen as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
However, Antonelli is given a call-up and Burstappen doesn’t want to leave Red Bull.
Ahead of Australia’s season opening, Wolf claimed he was happy with his two current drivers.
Russell will no longer be signed at the end of 2025.
By the start of 2025, former fellow chair: “Fear”
Ecclestone also met former Chairman Ferruli, Chairman Montezemoro.
Montezemoro oversaw the success of Ferrari with Michael Schumacher in the early 2000s before moving aside in 2014.
Ecclestone revealed that the Italians are not impressed with the start of Ferrari’s season.
“I met former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo,” Ecclestone added.
“And he was terrified of Ferrari’s two disqualifications in China. Italy has never experienced such shame since the start of the World Championships.”