Former Formulation 1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Charles Leclerc must be on the prime of Pink Bull’s wishlist if four-time champion Max Verstappen have been to depart.
The Dutchman has overtly criticised the brand new laws, which have been launched in 2026, initially describing them as “Formulation E on steroids”. Whereas tweaks to the laws are being launched, Verstappen has admitted that he’s contemplating his choices on the finish of the yr.
Along with not having fun with the brand new laws up to now, Verstappen’s long-term race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has signed with McLaren from 2028 on the newest. After the Pink Bull driver beforehand said that he wouldn’t work with some other race engineer, his future at Pink Bull has as soon as once more come beneath the highlight.
Whereas discussing the implications of Lambiase’s upcoming exit from Pink Bull, Palmer defined that if he have been group principal Laurent Mekies and if cash was no object, he would method Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc first.
“If cash was no object, Charles Leclerc. He is been at Ferrari a very long time. I believe he is supremely gifted. I believe he is proven that,” the previous driver and F1 TV presenter mentioned on the F1 Nation Podcast.
“If Ferrari cannot present this yr that they are often able to successful the title, which they may do but, I believe he is somebody that may very well be tempted away. Would he be tempted sufficient to go to Pink Bull? We’re speaking actual hypotheticals right here, however I nonetheless assume there is a title in him, and I believe he may be tempted.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Picture by: Artur Widak / NurPhoto by way of Getty Photos
Palmer’s co-host James Hinchcliffe added: “Nicely, he was my first thought as properly, however I’ve a second, so I am going to throw that one on the market as an alternative. Oscar Piastri. As a lot as I do not purchase into the McLaren is Lando’s group and favouritism and stuff, and by no means have, to the identical extent, he is not been there as lengthy, the loyalty won’t be as deep.
“He joined that group once they weren’t fairly on the prime of the pecking order and was part of serving to them get again to the highest. So I do not assume the concept of going to Pink Bull of their present state can be terrifying.
“Possibly he relishes the concept of being in a group that does assist a primary and quantity two driver format, and if that may very well be one thing labored into his contract, being the de facto primary at Pink Bull. Is that nearly as good or higher than being equal quantity ones at a McLaren in the long run? Could possibly be an fascinating one.”
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