Stefano Domenicali explains why he can see Max Verstappen ‘looking around’ to leave Red Bull

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Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali is responsible for many aspects of the success of F1.

Stefano Domenicali has seen the sport from every angle, having previously been in charge of Ferrari before taking up his current role.

Formula 1 has changed a lot in that time, with the takeover from Liberty Media and the success of Drive to Survive rapidly increasing the popularity of the sport.

For many new fans of the sport, they’ve only known the dominance of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

Verstappen is a four-time world champion and has been unstoppable since his nail-biting victory at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that earned him his first title.

However, that dominance has come to an end this season and suddenly put the Dutchman at the centre of the F1 driver market.

Mercedes have been linked with Verstappen, although it looks like any move is on hold for now.

Domenicali was addressing Verstappen’s Formula 1 future, and explained why he thinks the 27-year-old might be ‘looking around’ the paddock beyond Red Bull sooner rather than later.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Stefano Domenicali can see Max Verstappen ‘looking’ beyond Red Bull in the future

Domenicali was asked by De Telegraaf about Verstappen’s recent dominance of Formula 1.

It was put to him that he’s not in contention this season, but that surely he wants the four-time world champion to continue racing in F1 for years to come, and he said: “Max is the best, he’s incredible.

“He also understands that he can’t be the fastest every year, every lap.

“Max has shown that he is very loyal to Red Bull, but it’s also logical that at some point, he will start looking around. He is now a father and can see things in perspective.

“It’s clear that he’s interested in driving other races, in other classes. That’s fine. If he’s happy, I’m happy.

“I don’t want to lose him here. But I don’t expect that to happen any time soon.

“That’s up to him, but I hope not, at least. Formula 1 remains Formula 1. As far as I’m concerned, he can drive here for another ten years, please!”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Jos Verstappen admits Max Verstappen has spoken about Red Bull rivals

Verstappen is widely considered to be the fastest driver on the grid right now, and virtually no team in the paddock would turn down the opportunity to sign him.

McLaren would struggle to drop either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris to accommodate Verstappen, but all of their rivals would surely make room for the four-time world champion.

Jos Verstappen says Max discussed racing for three teams next season, although one of those options was Red Bull, which he’s opted for in the short term.

Verstappen might struggle to inform Helmut Marko about any future move, given the faith the Red Bull advisor has put in him throughout his career.

Mercedes is still the most obvious option for Verstappen going forward, although Aston Martin have the capacity to offer the four-time world champion a potential reunion with Adrian Newey in the future.

Ferrari would ‘definitely’ approach Verstappen should Lewis Hamilton decide to retire at the end of next season, which would throw the driver market wide open.

The only thing that matters for Domenicali is keeping the Dutchman in the sport for as long as possible.