The 2009 Formula 1 champion, Jenson Button, has expressed his concern about Max Verstappen’s growing frustration within the Red Bull team. According to Button, this situation could lead the Dutch driver to consider leaving his current team, with Mercedes as a possible destination.
During an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Button addressed the circumstances surrounding Verstappen’s career. The comment arose when host Simon Lazenby mentioned the exit clause in Verstappen’s contract, which could come into effect during the summer break if the driver is not among the top two in the drivers’ championship.
“If his management is not inquiring about options, they are not doing their job well,” Button commented. He points out that there are two attractive options for Verstappen: McLaren and, of course, the current championship leader, Mercedes. According to Button, “all drivers have contracts, but money talks. There is always a way to relocate a driver to another team.”
Button emphasized that Verstappen might be experiencing a sense of isolation, as many of his colleagues with whom he has won championships have distanced themselves from the team. “It must be strange to feel isolated within the team, with all the changes around him,” he added.
Furthermore, Button believes that the best option for Verstappen would be to join Mercedes, in a context where the team has won seven of the nine races this year 2026. “If I were his management, I would put him at Mercedes alongside Kimi [Antonelli] or George [Russell], depending on who they decide to move,” he concluded.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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