Leclerc tops Red Bull’s wish list if Verstappen departs, says ex‑driver Palmer

Former F1 driver and TV analyst Jolyon Palmer told the F1 Nation podcast that Charles Leclerc should be Red Bull’s top target if Max Verstappen leaves. He said Leclerc’s speed and Ferrari’s uncertain title chances make him a prime candidate, while Oscar Piastri is a secondary option. The comments come as Verstappen criticises the 2026 rules and his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is set to join McLaren.

Why it matters:

• A Red Bull vacancy would open the sport’s most powerful seat, reshaping the driver market.
• Leclerc’s move could tip the championship balance between Red Bull and Ferrari.

The details:

• Palmer claimed, “If money were no object, I’d go after Charles Leclerc first,” citing his “supreme talent” and long stint at Ferrari.
• He warned Ferrari must prove they can fight for the title; otherwise Leclerc may be lured away. Hinchcliffe suggested Oscar Piastri as a de‑facto number‑one at Red Bull.
• Verstappen has labelled the new 2026 aero‑power rules “Formula E on steroids” and is weighing his future, and Lambiase has signed for McLaren from 2028.

What's next:

• Red Bull will monitor Leclerc’s contract while evaluating Verstappen’s decision, keeping Piastri as a backup.
• Ferrari’s performance in the remaining races will be crucial; a title‑contending season could convince Leclerc to stay.