Max Verstappen’s future has become one of the biggest questions in Formula 1, but former F1 driver Marc Surer is not convinced by suggestions the four-time world champion could follow Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren.
The theory is easy to understand. Verstappen and Lambiase have worked together at Red Bull since May 2016, building one of the most successful driver-engineer partnerships in modern Formula 1. Across their time together, they have helped deliver 71 Grand Prix victories and four world championships, with their relationship becoming one of the defining features of Verstappen’s rise.
That partnership is now entering its final phase after Lambiase’s move to McLaren was confirmed for 2028, where he will become Chief Racing Officer under team principal Andrea Stella. His exit comes after a wider wave of senior departures from Red Bull, adding to the sense that the team around Verstappen has changed dramatically over the past two years.
It has also created an obvious question: could Verstappen eventually make the same move? Surer believes the answer is more complicated than simply following a trusted ally. In his view, if Verstappen does leave Red Bull, the logical destination would be a works team rather than a customer outfit.
“At the moment, you have to say it’s Mercedes,” said Surer, exclusively to Total-Motorsport.com when asked where Verstappen should move to. “Why should he go to a customer team?
“I mean, McLaren, I really think they are the best team at the moment in Formula 1, because what they did the last two years was really impressive. They got everything right and still had a customer engine, you know.
More from the Azerbaijan GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport’s latest Azerbaijan GP coverage, including George Russell’s dramatic Baku victory, the full race classification, the fastest lap result, and the Driver of the Day from the 2026 race.
“So they are really, really good. But on the other hand, I think to go with the work teams, especially now with the new regulation, is [a] much better [idea].”
Mercedes the logical Verstappen option
That assessment is a significant one. McLaren have become one of Formula 1’s strongest operations, but they remain a customer of Mercedes power units. With the 2026 regulations placing huge importance on engine performance, electrical deployment and integration, Surer believes a factory structure offers Verstappen a better long-term platform.
It also explains why Mercedes continue to be linked with the Dutchman whenever his Red Bull future comes under scrutiny. Toto Wolff has never fully hidden his admiration for Verstappen, and the new rules cycle has only increased the appeal of joining a team with full control over its power unit and chassis programme.
For McLaren, the attraction is obvious too. Adding Lambiase is a major statement, and the team have been one of the strongest in Formula 1’s recent competitive shift. But Surer’s point is that Verstappen is unlikely to base the biggest decision of his career solely on one relationship, however important that bond may be.
Verstappen retirement talk damaging for Formula 1
The wider concern is whether Verstappen leaves Formula 1 altogether. His difficult start to 2026, Red Bull’s slide, Lambiase’s pending departure and his irritation with the new regulations have all added fuel to speculation that he could step away earlier than expected.
The 2026 cars have demanded a different driving style, with drivers forced to manage battery deployment and energy recovery in ways many have criticised. Verstappen has been among the most vocal opponents of the new direction, while also increasing his involvement in other motorsport projects, including sports car racing.
For Surer, a retirement decision driven by frustration with the regulations would be a major blow to Formula 1 itself.
“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,” said Surer. “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.
“It would be very unfair for the team if he leaves during the season, 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.
“And the other thing is I think he deserves a better car, and I’m sure he can go wherever he wants if he, if he really tries to, to change.”
Surer does not dismiss the idea of Verstappen leaving Red Bull. He simply doubts McLaren is the obvious answer. If the Dutchman decides his future lies elsewhere, Mercedes may make more competitive sense than following Lambiase to Woking.
