Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi has expressed caution regarding a definitive long-term assessment of Max Verstappen’s career, suggesting such a verdict may require more time. Fittipaldi’s comments arrive amidst a challenging 2026 season for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.
The Brazilian legend indicated that it remains difficult to offer a conclusive opinion on Verstappen’s situation without full insight into his relationship with Red Bull or the team’s future plans.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is currently navigating a demanding 2026 campaign. He sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 109 points after 11 races, yet to secure a victory this season.
The Red Bull RB22 has been identified as the weakest car Verstappen has driven since 2015. The team has faced reliability issues, including problems with the rear wing active aero mechanism, which have impacted his points tally.
Despite these challenges, Verstappen has secured four podium finishes this season, including second places in Austria and Hungary. Red Bull remains the only frontrunner team without a race win in 2026.
Fittipaldi acknowledged Verstappen’s talent, stating he ‘carries his car on his back.’ He also praised Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull, drawing a parallel to his own preference for extended tenures with a single team.
However, Fittipaldi has not dismissed the possibility of Verstappen departing Red Bull. He believes such a move would initiate a significant ‘musical chairs’ effect across the driver market, reshaping the grid.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until the end of the 2028 season, though rumours suggest performance-based exit clauses are in place. He has remained non-committal when questioned about his future beyond the current season.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently highlighted areas for performance improvement in the RB22 for the latter half of the season. He noted the car’s sensitivity to minor factors and the need for better balance.
Fittipaldi previously compared Verstappen’s driving style to Ayrton Senna in June 2025, commending his ability to extract maximum performance from the car. He later clarified in August 2025 that while both are exceptional, Verstappen’s style is more balanced and clean compared to Senna’s aggressive approach.
The current sentiment from Fittipaldi suggests a wait-and-see approach for a definitive historical placement of Verstappen, particularly as his career continues to unfold amidst varying team performance.
