Max Verstappen has been tipped to exit Red Bull and join F1 rivals Mercedes by a former driver. Riccardo Patrese competed in F1 from 1977 until 1993, finishing second to Williams team-mate Nigel Mansell in the 1992 world drivers’ championship and collecting six race wins across his career.

Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is in doubt amid team struggles and contract clauses. Speculation grows over a potential move to Mercedes following Christian Horner’s exit.

Amidst the barrage of Max Verstappen to Mercedes headlines, one key aspect has been ignored - the impact on Red Bull and Racing Bulls.